FLORA'S LEXICON. 



165 



OPLAR, BLACK. Populus Niger. Class 

 22, DICECIA. Order : OCTANDRIA. This 

 tree is consecrated to Hercules, who, ac- 

 cording to the fable of the ancients, wore a 

 crown made of its foliage when he descended 

 into the infernal regions. This fable ac- 

 counts for the different shades which the 

 leaf has on either side in the following manner. The leaves on 

 the side next the head of Hercules preserved their natural colour, 

 or, some say, received that dim and pallid hue from the moisture 

 on his brow ; while those on the other side, being exposed to the 

 smoke and vapour of the dismal regions he was visiting, were 

 tinged with a darker shade, which they still retain. 



COURAGE. 



The poplar is by great Alcides worn. 



VIRGIL. 



The brave man seeks not popular applause, 

 Nor, overpower'd with arms, deserts his cause; 

 Unshamed, though foil'd, he does the best he can, 

 Force is of brutes, but honour is of man. 



DRYDEN. 



Whate'er betides, by destiny 'tis done, 

 And better bear like men, than vainly seek to shun. 



DRYDEN. 



Be not dismay 'd fear nurses up a danger; 

 And resolution kills it in the birth. 



PHILLIPS. 



The human race are sons of sorrow born ; 

 And each must have his portion. Vulgnr inimls 

 Refuse or cranch beneath their load: the brave 

 Bear theirs without repining. 



MALLET 



