fables of floea. 
I 50 
The following lines were addressed by Tasso 
to a laurel in his lady’s hair. 
‘ 0, glad triumphal bough, 
That now adoruest conquering chiefs, and now 
Clippest the brows of overruling kings 1 
From victory to victory 
Thus climbing on, through all the heights of story, 
From worth to worth, and glory unto glory, 
To finish all, O gentle and royal tree, 
Thou reignest now upon the flourishing head, 
At whose triumphant eyes love and our souls are led.’ 
Flora Domestica. 
FABLE XIV. 
The Laurel and the Reed. 
The Reed * that once the shepherd blew, 
On old Cephisus’ hallowed side, 
To Sylla’s cruel bow applied, 
Its inoffensive master slew. 
1 Stay, bloody soldier, stay thy hand, 
Nor take the shepherd’s gentle breath! 
Thy rage let innocence withstand; 
Let music soothe the thirst of death.’ 
• The Reeds on the banks of the Cephhms, of whioh th* shepherd* 
mado their pipes, Sjlla’s soldier* used for arrows. 
