LARGE BLUE FLAG. 49 



flowers of many of the species ; especially are the prismatic colours 

 shown in the flowers of the large pearly white garden Iris, a plant of 

 Eastern origin, and also in the Persian or Susian Iris. 



The Fleur-de-lis, as it was formerly written, signified whiteness 

 or puritj. This was changed to Fleur-de-luce, a corruption of FleuF- 

 de-Louis. The blossoms of the plant having been selected by Louis 

 the Seventh of France as his heraldic bearing in the Holy Wars. 

 The flowers of the Iris have ever been favourites with the poet, the 

 architect, and sculptor, as many a fair specimen wrought in stone and 

 marble, or carved in wood, can testify. 



The Fleur-de-lis is still the emblem of France. 



Longfellow's stanzas to the Iris are very characteristic of that 

 graceful flower : 



Beautiful lily — dwelling by still river, 



Or solitary mere, 

 Or where the sluggish meadow brook delivers 



Its waters to the weir. 



The wind blows, and uplifts thy drooping banner, 



And around thee throng and run 

 The rushes, the green yeomen of thy manor — 



The outlaws of the sun. 



fleur-de-luce, bloom on, and let the river 



Linger to kiss thy feet ; 

 flower of song, bloom on, and make forever 



The world more fair and sweet. 



N 



