PRIMROSE. 
31 
PRIMROSE. 
CHILDHOOD. 
From the early bloom of this flower, it is 
called by Linneus, the father of the modern sys¬ 
tem of botany, Primula Veris —the firstling of 
Spring. The Auricula, Polyanthus, and Cow¬ 
slip, belong to this family. 
The Primrose was anciently called Paralisos, 
the name of a beautiful youth, who died of grief 
for the loss of his betrothed Melicerta, and was 
metamorphosed by his parents into this flower, 
which has since divided the favour of the poets 
with the Violet and the Rose. 
Beneath the sylvan canopy, the ground 
Gutters with flowery dyes; the Primrose first, 
In mossy dell, return of Spring to greet. 
Gisborne. 
The Primrose pale is Nature’s meek and modest child. 
Balfour. 
The Primrose, tenant of the glade, 
Emblem of virtue in the shade. 
ML.yne. 
