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. 



