FABLES OF FLORA. 83 
From Bactria’s vale to Britain’s shore 
What time the Crown Imperial came, 
Full high the stately stranger bore 
The honors of his birth and name. 
In all the pomp of Eastern state, 
In all the Eastern glory gay, 
He bade, with native pride elate, 
Each flower of humbler birth obey. 
O, that the child unborn might hear, 
Nor hold it strange, in distant time, 
That freedom e’en to flowers was dear — 
To flowers that bloomed in Britain’s clime! 
Through purple meads and spicy gales, 
Where Strymon’s silver waters play, 
While far from hence their goddess dwells, 
She rules with delegated sway. 
That sway the Crown Imperial sought, 
With high demand and haughty mien; 
But equal claim a rival brought — 
A rival called the Meadow’s Queen. 
In climes of orient glory born, 
Where beauty first and empire grew, 
Where first unfolds the golden morn, 
Where richer falls the fragrant dew; 
