190 
ACANTHUS. 
Bear me, Pomona, 
To where the lemon and the piercing lime, 
With the deep orange, glowing through the green, 
Their lighter glories blend. 
Nor be the citron, Media’s boast, unsung. 
Sharp-tasted citron Median climes produce, 
Bitter the rind, but generous the juice; 
A cordial fruit. 
THE ACANTHUS. 
The Acanthus is found in hot countries, along the shores 
of great rivers. 
It grows freely in our climate; and Pliny assures us 
that it is a garden herb, and is admirably adapted for 
ornament and embellishment. The ancients tastefully 
adorned their furniture, vases, and most costly attire, with 
its elegant leaves. And Virgil says, that the robe of Helen 
was bordered with a wreath of acanthus in relief. 
This beautiful model of the arts has become their em¬ 
blem ; and he will be talented indeed, who shall produce 
any thing to excel its richness. If any obstacle resists 
the growth of the acanthus, it seems to struggle to over¬ 
come it, and to vegetate with renewed vigour. So genius, 
when acted upon by resistance or opposition, redoubles its 
attempts to overthrow every impediment. 
