FLORAL EMBLEMS. 
235 
PERFIDY. 
The common Laurel in Flower. 
Pruniis Laurocerasus. 
“ I treated, trusted you, and thought you mine; 
When, in requital of my best endeavours. 
You treacherously practiced to undo me.” 
This beautiful plant carries the most invete¬ 
rate poison in its veins, hence the emblem; 
since perfidy is too frequently disguised by 
- the alluring mask of friendship. 
“ O spirit accurs’d. 
Forsaken of all good, I see thy fall 
Determin’d, and thy hapless crew involv’d 
In this perfidious fraud.” 
Milton . 
