AND FLOWERS OF POETRY. 151 
MAJESTY. 
CROWN IMPERIAL. 
On this family of plants modern botanists have bestowed the 
name of Fritillaria , of which this, from its commanding de¬ 
portment and brilliant colours, is considered the sovereign. 
The lily’s height bespoke command, 
A fair imperial flower; 
She seemed designed for Flora’s hand, 
The sceptre of her power. 
We have therefore elevated this distinguished member of Flo¬ 
ra’s kingdom to be the emblem of majesty, and the representa¬ 
tive of power in our floral sentiments. 
Art thou not noble ? then thy brow belies thee! 
Thou art! I read it in thy proud dark eyes, 
Whose glance is truth and love, and in those lips, 
Whose smile is but a ray of the soul’s sunshine; 
In thy high bearing, in thy movements, words; — 
Thou art of heaven’s nobility — as far 
Excelling earth’s, as doth yon winged star, 
Robed in its garment of celestial glory, 
Outshine the earth-bound glow-worm. 
f. s. o. 
