116 FABLES OF FLORA. 
THE LILACII. 
The Lilach is the emblem of fastidiousness. 
There are three varieties commonly cultivated 
among us; or, as Cowper describes them, 
‘ The Lilach, various in array; now white , 
Now sanguine, and her beauteous head now set 
With purple spikes pyramidal, as if studious of orna¬ 
ment s 
Yet, unresolved which hues she most approved, 
She chose them alb’ 
Mason speaks of 
‘ Lilachs, robed 
In snow-white innocence, or purple pride.’ 
Warton, in his ‘ Ode to April,’ notices another 
variety. 
* From the shrubbery’s naked maze, 
Where the vegetable blaze 
Of Flora’s brightest broidery shone, 
Every checkered charm is flown; 
Save that the Lilach hangs to view 
Its bursting gems in clusters hive.’ 
We are glad to find the Lilach numbered 
among the choice and beautiful flowers in the 
following passage from Barry Cornwall. 
‘ There the Hose unveils her beauty, 
And each delicate bud o’ the season 
