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Laurel. 
“Sweet bay-tree.”— 
“The victor’s garland.”— 
This is an evergreen shrub, of the genus 
Lauras (L. nobilis), having aromatic leaves of 
a lanceolate shape, with clusters of small, yel¬ 
lowish-white flowers in their axils; called also 
JSweet Bay. The fruit is purple. It is found about the Mediterranean, 
and was early used to croivn the victor in the games of Apollo. At a later 
period, academic honors were indicated by a crown of Laurel, with the 
fruit. The leaves and trees yield an aromatic oil. 
Oh glad triumphal bough, 
That now adornest conquering chiefs, and now 
Clippest the brows of overruling kings: 
From victory to victory 
Thus climbing on, through all the heights of story. 
From worth to worth, and glory unto glory; 
To finish all, Oh gentle, royal tree, 
Thou reignest now upon that flourishing head , 
At ivhose triumphant eyes Love and our souls are led. 
— Tasso. 
Celestial Glory. 
'To HIS glory—sometimes called Kingdom of Heaven —is nothing else 
than the clear vision of Almighty God and the possession of His 
infinite riches. 
It is the land which is a region of the living, where none can die, and 
where all exchange an earthly for a celestial life. 
It is a valley of delights, in which flow the milk and honey of divine 
consolations, without sighs or tears, or any occasions for them. 
