DROPS FROM FLORA’S CUP. 41 
THE IRIS. 
The iris or flower-de-luce is supposed to be named after Juno’s favorite 
attendant and messenger. She is represented by the ancients, with 
wings, and encircled by a rainbow, and was sent by Juno to the bedside 
of dying females, as the messenger of peace and promiso to bear away 
the departing spirit. Ovid thu3 speaks of Juno’s favored one. 
The various Iris, Juno sends with haste. 
Louis the Seventh, having distinguished himself in the 3econd crusade, 
selected, according to the custom of tho times, a particular blazon, and, 
causing the Iris to bo emblazoned on the arms of France, it was 
afterwards called the flower of Louis; ‘Louis,’ by corruption, became 
‘ Luce.’ The bow of promise is not more beautifully tinged than the 
flower which bears its name. 
‘ Ever varying hue 
Of every beautiful thing on earth, — the tints 
Of heaven’s own Iris, — all are in the west 
On this delicious eve.’ 
TWAMLEY. 
But, ’midst them all, 
Crowned as the rainbow festival, 
A sappliire-eolored blossom shone 
The loveliest then; no other one 
Her jewels wore 
So gracefully. Her robe all o'er 
Was radiant; yes, deep blue, like twilight sky, 
And softly shaded, as when clouds do lie 
Upon the deep expanse. ’T was strange none knew 
A name for this fair form, so bright and blue; 
