38 FLORA'S LEXICON. 



AY. Laurus Nobilis. Class 9, ENNEAN- 

 DRIA. Order: MONOGYNIA. The Laurus 

 Nobilis, or Sweet Bay, though but a shrub 

 in our country, in Asia and the southern 

 parts of Europe, its proper birth-place, at- 

 tains to the height of twenty or thirty feet. 

 It grows very freely on the banks of the 

 river Peneus, in Thessaly ; ' and hence, perhaps, the fable of the 

 metamorphosis of Daphne, daughter of that river. It also, with 

 classic propriety, adorns mounts Ida and Athos. 



REWARD OF MERIT. 



Not around the peaceful bower 



Should thy verdant branches twine, 

 Though thy leaves through wintry hour 



With unchanging lustre shine: 

 There are fitter scenes than this for thy bloom 

 On the poet's lofty brow 

 Let thy classic garlands glow, 

 Or, if he lieth low, 

 On his tomb. 



Or, return'd from well-fought field, 



When the victor throws aside 

 Both his dinted helm and shield 



And his sword in crimson dyed, 

 O'er his trophies let thy green branches wave; 

 For what so fit a meed 

 From the country he has freed, 

 As the laurel-wreath decreed 

 To the brave? 



ANON. 



