THE AMARYLLIS. 



In Paradise, fast by the tree of life, 



Began to bloom ; but soon for man's offence 



To Heaven removed, where first it grew, there grows. 



And flowers aloft, shading the fount of life, 



And where the river of bliss through midst of Heaven 



Rolls o'er Elysian flowers her amber stream ; 



With these, that never fade, the spirits elect 



Bind their resplendent locks enwreathed with beams, 



Now in loose garlands thick thrown off; the bright 



Pavement, that like a sea of jasper shone. 



Empurpled with celestial roses, smiled." 



Moore introduces our flower in Lalla Rookh : — 



" Amaranths, such as crown the maids 

 That wander through Zamara's shades.'' 



This Zamara being said to be an ancient name for Sumatra. 

 The people of Batta, in that country, we are informed, when 

 not occupied by war, indulge in idleness, and in an inactive 

 life, spending their days in playing on a sort of flute, and 

 crowning themselves with garlands, of which the chief com- 

 ponent are the flowers of the Globe Amaranth, one of their 



indigenous plants. 



THE AMARYLLIS.— Pride, Haughtiness. 



The number of species in this genus, as well as some 

 kindred genera of the same natural order, is very consi- 

 derable. Florists say that they are very haughty plants ; 

 for, notwithstanding the most assiduous care, they often fail 

 to yield the reward of flowers. This is doubtless a great 



13 



