46 FABLES OF FLORA. 
THE IRIS. 
This is the flower commonly called Fleur-de-lys 
or Flower-de-luce, a name thus accounted for: 
‘ In the time of the second crusade, Louis the 
Seventh, having therein distinguished himself, 
according to the usage of the times, took a par¬ 
ticular blazon; and caused this figure to be en¬ 
graved on his coat of arms. The common people 
contracted the name of Louis into Luce; and 
this, by corruption,^ in process of time, came 
to be applied to the Iris, thence called Fleur - 
de-luce. ' 
‘ The Fleur-de-lys, which boasts of royal arms, 
And splendid mien.’ 
‘This flower is not regal in France only; 
other monarchs wear her coral blazoned on their 
arms, and it forms the most conspicuous orna¬ 
ment of their crowns. The crowns of the English 
sovereigns, since the time of Henry the First, 
have been variously adorned with fleurs-de-lys. 
The crowns of Spain and Hungary are also so 
distinguished. The coronets of the Prince of 
Wales and others of the royal family are orna¬ 
mented variously with fleurs-de-lys.' 
Garland of Flora. 
