AND FLOWERS OF POETRY. 
85 
light plays and produces a thousand shades, which, all blend¬ 
ing together in the same teint, forms that matchless harmony 
which the painter despairs to imitate, and the most indifferent 
observer delights to behold. What labour has Nature bestow¬ 
ed to create this fragile shrub, which seems only given for the 
gratification of the senses! What a union of perfume, of 
freshness, of grace, and of delicacy! What variety in detail! 
What beauty as a whole! 
There, on the banks of that bright river born, 
The flowers that hung above its wave at morn, 
Blest not the waters as they murmured by ; 
With holier scent and lustre, than the sigh 
And virgin glance of first affection cast, 
Upon their youth’s smooth current as it past. 
Moore. 
FLAME. 
YELLOW-IRIS. 
Amid its waving swords, in flaming gold 
The iris towers. 
C. Smith. 
The Iris Germanica are rustic plants, which the German 
peasants love to grow on the tops of their cottages. When 
these beautiful flowers are agitated by the breeze, and the sun 
gilds their petals, teinting them with hues of gold, purple, and 
azure, they have the appearance of light and perfumed flames, 
glistening over the rustic dwellings. This appearance has gain¬ 
ed the flower the name of “ Flaming Iris.” 
H 
