FLORAL EMBLEMS. 117 



DESPAIR. 



MARYGOLD. Calendula Officinalis. 



" As emblem of my heart's sad grief, 

 Of flow'rs, the marigold is chief." 



The petals of this flower were formerly in 

 high repute, as a cordial medicine for raising 

 the spirits and lessening the too violent pal- 

 pitation of the heart ; and being given to 

 those in despair it became the emblem of that 

 malady. 



Despair sometimes takes the character of 

 frenzy, and at others, that of low desponding 

 indolence. 



" The wretch whase doom is, ' hope nae mair,' 



What tongue his woes can tell ! 

 Within whase bosom, save despair, 



Nae kinder spirits dwell." 



Burns. 



