FLORA'S LEXICON. 69 



ROWN IMPERIAL. Fritillaria Imperi- \ 

 alis. Class 6, HEXANDRIA. Order : MONO- j 

 GYNIA. This noble flower is said to have 

 been brought into England in the time of 

 Shakspeare, who has introduced it in his 

 Winter's Tale: 



Bold oxlip, and 



The crown imperial ; lilies of all kinds ; 

 The flower de lues being one. 

 On this family of plants modern botanists have bestowed the 

 name of Fritillaria, of which this, from its commanding deport- 

 ment and brilliant colours, is considered the sovereign. 

 The lily's height bespoke command, 



A fair imperial flower; 

 She seem'd design'd for Flora's hand, 

 The sceptre of her power. 



We have therefore elevated this distinguished member of Flora's 



kingdom to be the emblem of majesty, and the representative of 



Ij power in our floral sentiments. 



MAJESTY. 



There is for Kings a fame that never dies, 

 A sunlike glory which itself supplies, 

 The light that emanates from grateful minds, 

 Defying envy, -which its lustre blinds. 

 There is, for ever flowing and to flow, 

 For Him who turns to joy his people's woe, 

 A otream of love unwearied in its course, 

 A nation's heart its warm and salient source. 

 Through loyal veins, devolved from sires to 

 From age to age the faithful current runs, 

 And bears for ever on in just renown 

 The buoyant name that dignified a crown. 

 One Patriot King has earn'd this msed of fame, 

 And Ireland's voice will vindicate His claim. 



QUILLINAN. 



