48 ORCHIDS. 
And why that some did reverence to that tre, 
And some unto the plot of flourés faire?” 
“With right good will my faire doughter,” quoth she, 
“ Sith your desire is good and debonaire.” 
And as for her that crownéd is in greene 
It is Flora, of these floures goddesse, 
And all that here on her awaiting beene, 
It are such folke that loved idlenesse, 
And not delite in no businesse 
But for to hunt, and hauke, and pley in medes, 
And many other suchlike idle dedes. 
And for the great delite and pleasaunce 
They have to the floure, and so reverently 
They unto it do such obeisaunce 
As ye may se.” 
The Instructor then gives answer why the knights have the 
ensign of honor rather by the leafe than by the floure. 
“Soothly, doughter,” quod she, “this is the truth; 
For knightés ever should be persevering 
To seeke honour without feintise or slouth; 
Fro wele to better in all maner thing; 
In signe of which, with leavés aye lasting, 
They be rewarded after their degre, 
Whose lusty greene May may not appairéd be, 
But aié keping their beautie fresh and greene; 
For there n’ is stormé that may hem deface, 
Haile nor snow, windé nor frostes kene; 
Wherfor they have this property and grace; 
And for the floure, within a little space 
Woll be lost, so simple of nature 
They be, that they no greevance may endure. 
