STRAWBERRY. 
129 
alluring’ baskets to the traveller, instead of 
magically arresting his steps, they enable him 
to recruit his strength and to renew his journey. 
The learned Linneus was cured of frequent 
attacks of gout by the use of Strawberries. 
Often have they restored health to the invalid 
when all other medicines have failed. They 
constitute a favourite accompaniment of the 
lordly feast, and the most exquisite luxury of 
the rural repast. This charming fruit, which 
vies in freshness and perfume with the bud of 
the sweetest of flowers, delights the eye, the 
taste, and the smell at the same time. Yet 
there are persons so unhappy as to dislike 
Strawberries, and to swoon at the sight of a 
rose. Is this astonishing, when there are per¬ 
sons who turn pale at the sight of superior 
merit, or on hearing of a noble action, as if the 
sight or record of virtue were a reproach to 
themselves ? Fortunately, these melancholy ex¬ 
ceptions take nothing from the charm of virtue, 
from the beauty of the rose, or from the per¬ 
fection which characterizes the most delicious of 
fruits. 
6 * 
