20 
^rimrosi. 
Vri^rose.... Earli/ Grief. 
The Primrose is one of the earliest flowers of spring. 
It was anciently called Paralisos, the name of a beau- 
tiful youth, who died of grief for the loss of his be- 
trothed Melicerta, and was metamorphosed by his pa- 
rents into this flower, which has since been a favourite 
of the poets. 
With fairest flowers, 
Whilst summer last, and I live here, Fidele, 
I'll sweeten thy sad grave : thou shalt not lack 
The flower that's like thy face, pale Primrose. 
Cymbeline, 
The Primrose pale is Nature's meek and modest child. 
Balfour. 
Nay, weep not while thy sun shines bright, 
And cloudless is thy day, 
While past and present joys unite 
To cheer thee on thy way ; 
While fond companions round thee move, 
To youth and nature true, 
And friends whose looks of anxious love 
Thy every step pursue. 
Common-Place Book of Poetry. 
The Primrose, tenant of the glade, 
Emblem of virtue in the shade. 
John Mayne, 
