FLORAL EMBLEMS. 235 



PERFIDY. 



THE COMMON LAUREL IN FLOWER. 

 Prunus Laurocerasus. 



" I treated, trusted you, and thought you mine ; 

 When, in requital of my best endeavours, 

 You treacherously practiced to undo me." 



Otway. 



This beautiful plant carries the most invete- 

 rate poison in its veins, hence the emblem ; 

 since perfidy is too frequently disguised by 

 the alluring mask of friendship. 



11 O spirit accurs'd, 

 Forsaken of all good, I see thy fall 

 Determin'd, and thy hapless crew involv'd 

 In this perfidious fraud." 



Milton. 



