THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
25 
those of the immortal beauty. The Flora Domestica 
says, “ Myrtle was the symbol of authority for magis¬ 
trates at Athens ; bloodless victors were crowned with 
myrtle.” Spears, too, were made of its wood. 
“ The war from stubborn myrtle shafts receives.” — Drydeii’s Virgil. 
The Arabs have recorded an ancient tradition that 
Adam bore in his hand a sprig of myrtle when he was 
driven out from the garden of Paradise. It was formerly 
much used in medicine and cookery, and also to flavor 
wines. It flourishes in warm climates, near the sea- 
coast. 
ACANTHUS (Acanthus mollis). Art. 
The acanthus delights in warm countries and the 
banks of great rivers. Pliny speaks of its value for dec¬ 
orative purposes. The ancients ornamented their furni¬ 
ture, their vases, and their valuable garments with its 
beautifully cut leaves. The robe of Helen was bordered 
by a garland of acanthus in relief. A irgil tells us also 
of a vase from the hand of Alcimedon, adorned with 
foliage imitated from the acanthus. Ibis charming 
model of the arts has become their emblem. If any¬ 
thing is opposed to the acanthus, we see it redouble its 
forces, and grow with new vigor. Thus genius rises 
and increases by the very obstacles which seemed insur¬ 
mountable. It is related that the architect Callimachus, 
passing by the tomb of a young girl who died within the 
3 
