X 
PREFACE. 
Queen of the Meadows, is made the emblem of 
Uselessness: a sweeter flower does not blow; 
it is only equalled by the blossoms of the Haw¬ 
thorn in perfume, and I think I have with good 
reason changed its signification to Neglected 
Beauty. Again, the Anemone, or Wind-flower 
of the Greeks, has been selected as the emblem 
of Forsaken Love: I have, in honour of Milton, 
chosen the Primrose; for the Bard of Paradise 
has beautifully said,— 
“ The rathe Primrose that forsaken dies;” 
and w~e seldom see one bud alone on the root. 
So have I gone on through all my fanciful or 
poetical illustrations: either following the old 
poets, or gathering from the very nature of the 
flower some quality that represents the sentiment 
I have attached to it. The subject has never 
before been taken up in the old poetical spirit: 
there are signs of a timid step and trembling 
hand, which betray a want of confidence in the 
task, as if it had not been a labour of love. I 
have proceeded without fear, and have adapted 
many “ an old-world story” to the meanings ot 
the flowers, which, I trust, will give pleasure to 
all my readers. 
T. M. 
