156 THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
Oh! there’s melody rich in that mournful tone, 
Though with wo so heavily laden; 
And I’d rather be sad with thee, my own, 
Than gay with a happier maiden! 
f. s. o. 
MESSAGE. 
IRIS. 
Every varying hue 
Of every beautiful thing on earth — the teints 
Of heaven’s own Iris — all are in the west 
On this delicious eve. 
Carrington. 
This plant is supposed to have been named after Juno’s attend¬ 
ant, because its colours are similar to those bestowed on the 
messenger of that goddess, by poets and mythological writers. 
The various Iris, Juno sends with haste. 
Ovid. 
Iris is usually portrayed as descending from a rainbow ; and 
the eye of heaven (Plutarch says that is the meaning of the 
word Iris) is not more variegated than the flower that has been 
honoured by her name. 
Perchance the gods, like us, conversed with flowers, 
And Iris, their sweet messenger, did borrow 
From the rich wreaths she bore in those bright hours, 
Her wings’ still varying hues of joy and sorrow: — 
Oh! were she now on earth — how fit to bear 
To thee, my goddess, all my love and care ! 
f. s. o. 
