24 
THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
altar of Hymen was lighted by torches made of the wood 
of this shrub, which, as we see, has always been the em¬ 
blem of hope. 
PRIMROSE {Primula vulgaris, or acaulis). Modest worth. 
English literature is filled with allusions to this flower. 
The primrose, cowslip, polyanthus, and auricula are all 
members of the same floral family. 
“ Pale primroses, 
That die unmarried ere they can behold 
Bright Phoebus in his strength.” — Shakspeare. 
“Bring the rathe primrose, that forsaken dies.” — Milton. 
“ The primrose, tenant of the glade, 
Emblem of virtue in the shade.”— J. Mayne, 1609. 
MYRTLE {Myrtus communis). Love. 
The oak from all time was consecrated to Jupiter, the 
laurel to Apollo, the olive to Minerva, and the myrtle to 
Venus. In Home the first temple of this goddess was 
surrounded by a grove of myrtles; in Greece she was 
adored under the name of Myrtea or Murtia. When 
she appeared rising from the sea, the Hours went to 
meet her, and presented to her a thousand-colored scarf 
and a myrtle garland. After her victory .over Pallas 
and Juno, she was crowned with myrtle by the Loves. 
Surprised one day by a troop of Satyrs, she took refuge 
behind a bush of myrtle : it was also with branches of 
this tree that she avenged herself on the audacious 
Psyche, who had dared to compare her charms with 
