28 



FLORA'S LEXICON. 



SH. Fraxinus. Class 2, DIANDRIA. Or- 

 der : MONOGYNIA, There is a singular al- ; 

 legory in the Edda, which states that the j 

 gods hold their court under the shade of a I 

 miraculous ash, whose extensive branches j 

 shadow the whole surface of the earth ; the | 

 top of the tree touches the heavens, and I 

 its roots descend to the regions of Pluto. An eagle constantly j 

 reposes on the tree, to observe every thing, and a squirrel conti- jj 

 nually ascends and descends to make report. Beneath its roots ; ! 

 flow two fountains. In the one wisdom is concealed, and in the !| 

 other is found the knowledge of things to come. Three virgins ji 

 are entrusted with the charge of this sacred tree, who ever 

 remain under its branches to refresh the tree with these salutary 

 waters, which, on falling back on the earth, form a dew that pro- 

 duces honey. This effect has been ingeniously compared to the 

 results of inventive science. 



GRANDEUR. 



Nay, I know not. 



There are some qualities that women have 

 Which are less worthy, but which warm us more 

 Than speaking of their virtues. I remember 

 The fair Giovanna in her pride at Naples. 

 Gods ! what a light enveloped her ! She left 

 Little to shine in history but her beauty 

 Was of that order that the universe 

 Seem'd govern'd by her motion. Men look'd on her 

 As if her next step would arrest the world ; 

 And as the sea-bird seems to rule the wave 

 He rides so buoyantly, all things around her 

 The glittering army, the spread gonfalon, 

 The pomp, the music, the bright sun in heaven 

 Seem'd glorious by her leave. 



WILLIS. 



