10 THE LOVER’S OFFERING, 
the beloved object of his or her affection, 
“ My beautiful Flower /” A young man is 
described as in the flower of his youth, to 
denote that his mental and physical pow¬ 
ers are developing; and when we would 
mark that period of life when the mental 
and bodily powers are in full vigour, we 
describe it by saying, He is in the flotoer 
of his aye. When a public speaker, minis¬ 
ter, or Parliamentary orator, is peculiarly 
eloquent, figurative, &c., we describe his 
style as floioery. A man who has easily 
acquired much wealth, and encountered 
scarcely any adversity, is thus described; 
“His path has been strewed with roses!" 
The bereaved exclaim when a beloved one 
dies ; Alas ! my faded flower ! 
The most Heathenish and barbaric peo¬ 
ple have delighted in flowers. They have 
adorned their persons, altars, and temples 
with them. According to their mythology 
Flora, the goddess, presided over flowers. 
She was a beautiful young maiden crown¬ 
ed with blossoms and flowers, holding in 
her hand the horn of plenty. Zephyr is 
a figurative expression for the west wind, 
