LARGE BLUE FLAG. 
49 
flowers of many of the species; especially are the prismatic colours 
shown in the flowers of the large pearly white garden Iris, a plant 
of Eastern origin, and also in the Persian or Susian Iris. 
The Fleur-de-lis, as it was formerly written, signified whiteness 
or purity. This was changed to Fleur-de-luce, a corruption of Fleur- 
de-Louis. The blossoms of the plant having been selected by Louis 
the Seventh of France as his heraldic bearing in the Holy Wars. 
The flowers of the Iris have ever been favourites with the poet, the 
architect, and sculptor, as many a fair specimen wrought in stone and 
marble, or carved in wood, can testify. 
The Fleur-de-lis is still the emblem of France. 
Longfellows stanzas to the Iris are very characteristic of that 
graceful flower: 
Beautiful lily—dwelling by still river, 
t 
Or solitary mere, 
Or where the sluggish meadow brook delivers 
Its waters to the weir. 
The wind blows, and uplifts thy drooping banner, 
And around thee throng and run 
The rushes, the green yeomen of thy manor— 
The outlaws of the sun. 
0 fleur-de-luce, bloom on, and let the river 
Linger to kiss thy feet; 
0 flower of song, bloom on, and make forever 
The world more fair and sweet. 
N 
