f^eltotrapje. 
106 
Heliotrope.. ..Devoted Affection. 
The Heliotrope is a native of Peru. It is often con¬ 
founded with the Sunflower, though it is of a different 
genus. The blossoms of the Heliotrope form clusters 
of very small, delicate, fragrant flowers, generally of a 
faint purple colour or white, sometimes red, or bluish- 
white. It is a general favourite of the fair sex, and is 
considered as the emblem of devoted affection, on ac¬ 
count of its face being ever turned to the sun, which it 
seems to worship. The Heliotrope was introduced 
into Europe in 1740, by the celebrated Jussieu. 
As laurel leaves, that cease not to be green, 
From parching sonne, nor yet from winter’s threat,— 
As hardened oak, that fears no sworde so keen,— 
As flint for tool, in twaine that will not fret,— 
As fast as rock, or pillar surely set,— 
So fast am I to you, and aye have been, 
Assuredly whom I cannot forget; 
For joy, for paine, for torment, nor for tene; 
For loss, for gaine, for frowning, nor for threat; 
For ever one, yea, both in calm and blast, 
Your faithful lov'e, and will be to the last! 
Old Poet. 1555. 
Yet do not think I doubt thee; 
I know thy truth remains; 
I would not live without thee, 
For all the world contains. 
