40 LANGUAGE AND 
In a beautiful poem by Shelley, this plant is 
alluded to as a token flower: 
“Madonna, wherefore hast thou sent to me 
Sweet basil and mignonette? 
Embleming love and health, which never yet 
In the same wreath might be. 
Alas, and they are wet! 
Is it with thy kisses or thy tears ? 
For never rain or dew 
Such fragrance drew 
From plant or flower.” 
BAY LEAF, BAY OR LAUREL TREE. 
Laurus . Class 9 ; Order 1. 
The Greek fable relates, that Daphne was trans¬ 
formed into the Bay tree, and that Apollo, 
her lover, crowned his head with the leaves. 
I CHANGE BUT IN DEATH. 
Though fate ordains that we must part, 
And each fond tie doth sever, 
Yet still thou reignest in my heart, 
To be dethroned never! 
