48 THE FABLES OF FLORA. 



From Bactria's vales to Britain's shore 

 What time the Crown Imperial came. 



Full high the stately stranger bore 

 The honours of his birth and name. 



In all the pomp of eastern state. 



In all the eastern glory gay, 

 He bade, with native pride elate. 



Each flower of humbler birth obey. 



O, that the child unborn might hear, 

 Nor hold it strange in distant time. 



That freedom even to flowers was dear. 

 To flowers that bloomed in Britain's clime! 



Through purple meads, and spicy gales. 

 Where Strymon's* silver waters play. 



While far from hence their goddess dwells. 

 She rules with delegated sway. 



The Ionian Str^-mon. 



