FLORAL EMBLEMS. 
117 
DESPAIR. 
Marygold. —Calendula Officinalis. 
“ As emblem of my heart’s sad grief. 
Of flow’rs, the marigold is chief.” 
The petals of this flower were formerly in 
high repute, as a cordial medicine for raising 
the spirits and lessening the too violent pal¬ 
pitation of the heart; and being given to 
those in despair it became the emblem of that 
malady. 
Despair sometimes takes the character of 
frenzy, and at others, that of low desponding 
indolence. 
“ The wretch whase doom is, ‘ hope nae mair,’ 
What tongue his woes can tell ! 
Within whase bosom, save despair, 
Nae kinder spirits dwell.” 
Burns. 
