64 
THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
are a very handsome fruit, and were formerly made into tarts 
and robs de cornis. The Greeks have consecrated this tree to 
Apollo, because it is supposed that that god presides over the 
works of the mind, which demand much time and reflection. 
Charming emblem ! teaching every one who wishes to culti¬ 
vate letters, eloquence, and poetry, that to merit the laurel crown, 
it is necessary to hear for a long time that of patience and med¬ 
itation. After Romulus had drawn the plan of Rome on the 
land which gave him birth, he launched his javelin on Mount 
Palatine; the shaft of the javelin is said to have been of cornel- 
tree; it took root, grew, and became an immense tree; and this 
prodigy was regarded as the happy presage of the strength and 
duration of that extraordinary empire. 
The wood is very hard, and Evelyn says that when made in¬ 
to wedges it will last like iron. 
Lady! my love for thee 
Is like the cornel-tree; — 
Once taken root, though slow, its growth is sure. 
It is no passion-flower, 
Lasting one summer-hour; — 
While my heart lives—that feeling will endure. 
f. s. o. 
