FLORAL RECORDS. 13 



as badges by the rival houses of York and 

 Lancaster, and led the tide of civil strife in 

 twelve deadly battles. 



The " ROSE " became the badge of Eng- 

 land, and shares a nation's fame. 



Scotland well expressed the patience, har- 

 dihood, and " retaliation " of her people when 

 she crowned the THISTLE. 



Ireland preserved the memory of the holiest 

 truth in her SHAMROCK. 



The LILIES of France worthily rivalled 

 the queenly Rose of England, and were a 

 war-cry of chivalry. 



" Now by the lips of those you love, fair gentlemen of 



France, 



Charge for the golden lilies, upon them with the 

 lance." 



And England long joined those " golden 

 lilies " with her own deathless rose, when 

 she was, like an eagle, " at prey " on her 

 neighbour's too-near coasts. 



The VIOLET was the badge of the city of 

 Athens ; and the orators, when striving to 

 win the favour of the people, were wont to 



