"SWEET SUMMER BUDS" 161 



Shakespeare loved one of the most beautiful families 

 of flowers that grace the earth, and knew the many 

 varieties that grew in the English gardens of his 

 day, which include the Lily-of- the- Valley (in his 

 time called Lily Conally) ; the splendid yellow lilies; 

 the red martagon and spotted martagon (tiger- 

 lilies) ; as well as the pure white lily. Parkinson, 

 who writes so beautifully of plants and blossoms, 

 did not neglect the lily. He says: "The lily is 

 the most stately flower among many," and he directs 

 attention "to the wonderful variety of lilies known 

 to us in these days, much more so than in former 



times." 



First on the list comes the white lily, which has 

 always been regarded from time immemorial as the 

 most beautiful member of this most beautiful 

 family, a picture of purity with its white silken 

 petals exquisitely set off by the yellow anthers and 

 breathing such delicious fragrance. This is the lily 

 of which Shelley sings : 



And the wand-like lily, which lifteth up 

 As a Maenad, its moonlight colored cup, 

 Till the fiery star which is its eye 

 Gazed through clear dew on the tender sky. 



"The ordinary White Lily, Lilium candidum" 

 writes Parkinson, "scarce needeth any description, 



