Origin of Names 75 



selected a white flower as his emblem. But the Fleur- 

 de-lis is or (gold) in heraldry, and not argent (silver) 

 as it seems would be likely to be the case if a white 

 flower was to be indicated; and from this circum- 

 stance it is more generally believed — by those claiming 

 a flower to have been the origin of the emblem — 

 that it is a yellow flower that was selected, the marsh- 

 loving, yellow Iris pseudacorus. 



It has also been said that Louis VII adopted this 

 device in allusion to his name, Louis Florus. 



I cannot give due action to my words, 



Except a sword, or scepter, balance it. 



A scepter shall it have, have I a soul; 



On which I'll toss the Fleur-de-luce of France. 



Shakespeare: 2 King Henry VI. 



Methought, upon the Neva's flood 

 A beautiful Ice Palace stood. 



A light through all the chambers flam'd, 

 Astonishing old Father Frost, 

 Who, bursting into tears, exclaim'd: 

 "A thaw, by Jove — we're lost, we're lost." 



***** 



Those Royal Arms, that looked so nice, 

 Cut in the resplendent ice — 



