Tall Bearded Iris 



(Fleur-de-Lis) 



A Flower of Song 



CHAPTER I 



The Iris in Song 



HE IRIS has long been a flower of song. 

 Ever since the early days we find it in the 

 poet's lays. 



Iris, which Drilon water feedes, 



And Narons bancke with other weedes. 



Nicander: Treacles. (2d Cent. B. C.) 

 Tr. by John Gerarde. 



For whom the fruitage of this strain, my Muse, 

 And who among the bards hath made this wreath? 

 Meleager wove it, and by his weaving gives 

 For keepsake to most noble Diocles. 

 Here many lilies are of Anyte, 



Vine of Simonides, and twisted in 



Nossis, thine Iris flower that breathes of Myrrh, 



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