FLORAL EMBLEMS. 129 



EGOTISM AND SELF-LOVE. 



NARCISSUS . Narcissus. 



" Narcissus fair, 



As o'er the fabled fountain hanging still/* 



Thompson. 



From Ovid's beautiful metamorphosis of 

 the lovely and coy Narcissus into this flower 

 has originated the emblem. 



'* Narcissus on the grassy verdure lies : 

 But whilst within the crystal font he tries 

 To quench his heat, he feels new heats arise. 

 For as his own bright image he surveyed, 

 He fell in love with the fantastic shade ; 

 And o'er the fair resemblance hung unrnov'd : 

 Nor knew, fond youth ! it was himself he lov'd. 



This flower is dedicated to St. Apollonia. 



