FLORA'S LEXICON. 



127 



INDEN TREE. Tilia. Class 15, POLY- 

 ANDRIA. Order : MONOGYNIA. Baucis was 

 changed into the Linden tree, which has 

 ever since been the emblem of conjugal 

 love. In glancing over the consecrated 

 plants in the mythology of the ancients, we 

 cannot fail to admire their fitness to repre- 

 sent the various qualities of which they are symbolical. 



Beauty grace simplicity an extreme softness of manner, 

 and an innocent gaiety, should be, in all ages, the properties and 

 accomplishments of a tender wife. We find all these qualities 

 united in the Linden tree; which, in spring, is ever covered with 

 a soft and delicate verdure, and exhales a very delightful fra- 

 grance, while it lavishes the honey of its flowers upon the busy 

 bee. 



CONJUGAL LOVE. 



Are we not onel are we not join'd by heav'nl 

 Each interwoven with the other's fate 7 

 Are we not mix'd like streams of meeting rivers, 

 Whose blended waters are no more distinguished, 

 But roll into the sea one common flood 1 



ROWE. 



Oh speak the joy ! ye whom the sudden tear 

 Surprises often, when you look around, 

 And nothing strikes the eye but sights of bliss, 

 All various nature pressing on the heart, 

 And elegant sufficiency, content; 

 Retirement, rural quiet, friendship, books, 

 Ease and alternate labour, useful life, 

 Progressive virtue, and approving heaven. 

 These are the matchless joys of virtuous love ; 

 And thus their moments fly. 



THOMSON. 



L 



Domestic happiness, thou only bliss 

 Of paradise that has survived the fall ! 



COW PER. 



