ACANTHUS. . 191 



It is said that the architect, Callimach, passing near the 

 tomb of a young maiden who had died a few days before 

 the time appointed for her nuptials,' moved by tenderness 

 and pity, approached to scatter some flowers on her tomb. 

 Another tribute to her memory had preceded his. Her 

 nurse had collected the flowers which should have decked 

 her on her wedding-day ; and, putting them with the mar- 

 riage veil, in a little basket, had placed it near the grave 

 upon a plant of acanthus, and then covered it with a tile. 

 In the succeeding spring the leaves of the acanthus grew 

 round the basket ,* but, being stayed in their growth by 

 the projecting tile, they recoiled and surmounted its ex- 

 tremities. Callimach, surprised by this rural decoration, 

 which seemed the work of the Graces in tears, conceived 

 the capital of the Corinthian column, a magnificent orna- 

 ment, still used and admired by the whole civilized world. 



The roof 



Of thickest covert was inwoven shade ; 



Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew 



Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side 



Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub. 



Fenced up the verdant wall ; each beauteous flower. 



Iris all hues, roses, and jessamine, 



Rear'd high their flourish'd heads between, and wrought 



Mosaic ; underfoot the violet. 



Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay, 



Broider'd the ground, more colour'd than with stone. 



Of costliest emblem. 



^Q PARADISE LOST. 



