FLORA'S LEXICON. 



87 



ERANIUM. Pelargonium. Class 16, Mo- 

 NADELPIIIA. Order : HEPTANDRIA. Among 1 

 the gayest of the floral court are the richly 

 clad Geraniums. Fashion and culture have 

 contributed so much to the aggrandizement 

 of the beautiful tribe of Pelargoniums, or, 

 as they are generally, but erroneously call- 

 ed Geraniums, that they now count a greater number of royal 

 and illustrious titles in their family than any other species of 

 flower can boast. 



GENTILITY 



I said the Lily was the queenly flower, 



And these bright creatures, sure, her courtiers be ! 



For they are robed all so royally, 

 E'en like the glittering guests of regal bower; 

 And, like them too, their chiefest rank and power 



Lie in their sounding titles, and we see 



That both do value the embroiderie 

 Of their gay-tinted garb. In their first hour 

 Of modish fame, see how to both down bend, 



In fashion's homage, all the wondering crowd 

 Of sycophant adorers ! Should chance send 



A newer star, how soon into a cloud 

 Shrink the late idols ! whom no more ye find ; 

 Nor have they either left ye any sweet behind. 



TVVAMLKY. 



Athenia is a noble gentlewoman, 

 Stamp'd in the finest mould of excellence. 

 Rome in her palmiest state, when woman nursed 

 Her grandeur, by the care of her young heroc.>, 

 Had scarce her equal. 



DA WES. 



IUU 



