48 LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
VIOLET. 
MODESTY. 
Iosr, the Greek name of this flower, is traced by 
some etymologists to la, the daughter of Midas, who 
was betrothed to Atys, and changed by Diana into 
a Violet to hide her from Apollo. The beautiful 
modest flower still retains the bashful timidity of the 
nymph, partially concealing itself amidst foliage 
from the garish gaze of the sun. Hence it has been 
ingeniously given as a device to an amiable and 
witty lady of a timid and reserved disposition, sur- 
rounded with the motto — II faut me chercher — I 
must be sought after. 
A woman's love, deep in the heart. 
Is like the Violet flower, 
That lifts its modest head apart 
In some sequestered bower. 
Anon. 
Unhappy fate of doubtful maid! 
Her tears ma} - fall, her bosom swell ; 
But even so the desert shade 
She never must her secret tell. 
W. Smith. 
