238 THE ASSOCIATIONS OF FLOWERS 
of all the hues of the rainbowj which look up to a tropical 
sky, or flit across a cloudless landscape. 
But leaving the golden “lily of the field/' we will turn 
to an humbler flower, the lily of the valley — the May lily 
of old writers (Convallaria majalis). This cannot be the 
lily of Scripture, because it is a native of cold or mode- 
rately-warm countries only, and would never bloom in a 
field of Palestine. In Britain its white bells come forth 
in the early season of the year. The author of the “ Mir- 
ror of the Months ' ' calls them the “ little illumination 
lamps/' and truly, in their form they closely resemble 
the objects of his comparison. Hidden between their 
broad green leaves, and blooming unseen in the retired 
woodlands, we are accustomed, even from our childhood, 
to regard the lily of the valley as an emblem of modesty. 
A little poem written for the very young reader, but 
equally suitable to others, says of this beautiful spring 
flower ; 
“ See the lily on its bed, 
Hanging down its modest head, 
While it scarcely can be seen. 
Folded in its leaf of green; 
Yet we love the lily well, 
For its sweet and pleasant smell, 
And would rather call it ours 
Than a thousand gayer flowers." 
Shakespeare alludes to its drooping posture : 
“ Shipwreck'd upon a kingdom where no pity. 
No friends, no hope, no kindred weep for me, — 
Almost no grave allowed me ! like the lily 
That once was mistress of the field and flourished, 
I’ll hang my head and perish.” 
Very few are the floral beauties which deck the barren 
hills and plains of Norway; yet Mr. Inglis says of the 
lily of the valley in that country: “It stood everywhere 
around, scenting the air, and in such profusion that it 
was scarcely possible to step without bruising its tender 
stalks and blossoms. I have not seen this flower men- 
