FLORA'S LEXICON. Ill 



RIS. Iris. Class 3, TRIANDRIA. Order: 

 MONOGYNIA. This plant is supposed to have 

 been named after Juno's attendant, because 

 its colours are similar to those bestowed on 

 the messenger of that goddess, by poets and 

 mythological writers. Iris is usually por- 

 trayed as descending from a rainbow ; and 

 the eye of heaven (Plutarch says that is the meaning of the 

 word Iris) is not more variegated than the flower that has been 

 honoured by her name. 



MESSAGE. 



All with their pearls so fair, 



The gay flowers wreathed were, 

 But, 'midst them all, 



Crown'd at the rainbow festival, 

 A sapphire-colour'd blossom shone 

 The loveliest there; no other one 

 Her jewels wore 



So gracefully. Her robe all o'er 

 Was radiant, yet deep blue, like twilight sky, 

 And softly shaded, as when clouds do lie 

 Upon the deep expanse. 'T was strange, none knew 

 A name for this fair form, so bright and blue: 

 But sister-flowrets fancifully said, 

 As they to note her beauty had been led 

 By its enhancement in the rainbow shower, 

 They e'en would call her IRIS from that hour. 



TWAMLEY. 



Iris, on saffron wings array 'd with dew 



Of various colours, through the sunbeams flew. 



VIRGIL. 



