Use of Plant and Flower 233 



In fresh condition orris-root contains an acrid juice 

 and possesses slight cathartic and purgative proper- 

 ties, and was formerly used in many medical prepara- 

 tions. Anciently it was considered a complete remedy 

 for the removal of freckles and discolorations caused 

 by a stroke or bruise, and a sovereign cure for dropsy, 

 diseases of the kidneys and spleen, piles, stone, con- 

 vulsions. King's evil and hard swellings, shortness 

 of breath, old coughs and many other ailments. 



The virtues of the Iris, real and supposed, were 

 thus sung, about the middle of the seventeenth cen- 

 tury, by an English poet who was a botanist and had 

 been made a doctor of medicine at Oxford but prob- 

 ably never practiced medicine: 



At length the sporting goddess [Flora] thought it best 



(Though sure the humour went beyond a jest) 



A pleasant sort of trial to propose, 



And from the Plants a queen to choose 



Which should preside over the Flowr'y race, 



Be a vice-goddess, and supply her place: 



Each plant was to appear, and make its plea, 



To see which best deserv'd the dignity. 



***** 



The Flower-de-luce next loosed her heavenly tongue, 

 And thus, amidst her sweet companions sung. 

 (Iris: or Flower-de-luce.) 

 If empire is to beauty dear, 

 (And this in Flow'rs if any where holds true) 

 Then I by nature was designed for reign, 

 Else nature made a beauteous face in vain. 

 Besides I boast a sparkling gem, 

 And brighter goddess of my name. 



