Busbecq, the ambassador of Ferdinand 

 1., who was stationed at Constanti- 

 nople. This would bring its intro- 

 duction into Europe at about the year 

 ISSO. From Vienna it soon spread 

 into many other countries, and in some 

 parts of Europe it has become half 

 wild. In Persia the lilac blossom is a 

 rosy purple, gorgeous in tint, almost 

 lurid at sunset, and particularly lovely 

 after a shower, when it twinkles with 

 a rrtillion diamond dewdrops. 



A PERSIAN LOVE-SONG. 



' ' The rising moon sheds round her silver veil. 

 Come forth, belovM, e'er her brightness fail. 

 The lilies pale with sweetness in the grass, 

 The roses blush with joy to see you pass. 

 Come, hear the nightingale, a voice with wings, 

 That only waits your presence, e'er she sings. 



" Ah, let me weave a chaplet for your hair. 

 Of pale and rosy lilacs, lady fair. 

 Woe to that lover who would choose a rose 

 That in its heart a stinging bee may close. 

 Or yet a lily, or a spray of vine, 

 Or toy bloom that wreathes a cup of wine. - 

 The flower I gather, love, for your sweet sake 

 Breathes love that neither time nor ill can shake. " 



