196 THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN 



marigold was a solar flower, the astrologers placed 

 it under the sign and care of Leo. 



In a wholly Elizabethan spirit Keats sang: 



Open afresh your round of starry folds, 



Ye ardent Mangolds! 

 Dry up the moisture from your golden lids, 



For great Apollo bids 



That in these days your praises should be sung 

 On many harps, which he has lately strung; 

 And when again your dewyness he kisses 

 Tell him I have you in my world of blisses! 

 So happly when I rove in some far vale 

 His mighty voice may come upon the gale. 



The Shakespearian marigold must not be con- 

 fused with the French marigold (Flos Africanus), 

 called also Indian gilliflower, flower of Africa, and 

 flower of Tunis. A long chapter on this marigold 

 appears in Parkinson's book. This is the tightly 

 rolled up little flower of irregular ragged petals, 

 but of a rich, deep golden hue. 



Parkinson also speaks of the great Peruvian sun- 

 flower, which he admires greatly and describes with 

 enthusiasm. We know it well as our common sun- 

 flower with its dark center and yellow rays a 

 magnificent specimen of the floral world, worthy of 

 the adoration of the Incas and of more than we 

 usually accord to it. 



