PREFACE. 
viii 
the thought it is intended to express, and so, by 
adding here and there a blossom to the beautiful 
wreath they have left unfinished, I trust that I 
have done something towards the completion of 
a work which shall be worthy of the name of 
England’s Language of Flowers. 
In the legends which illustrate each sentiment, 
or group of flowers, I have endeavoured to create 
a new interest, by linking them with human 
affections and fanciful narratives, the origin of 
which may either be traced in the old heathen 
writers, or found amid the lighter lore of our 
own day. Not that I have fettered myself to 
any given rules, or chained my fancy to any cir¬ 
cumscribed space ; for I will not yet believe that 
there is 
“ So small a range 
In the present strength of manhood, that the high 
Imagination cannot freely fly, 
As she was wont of old ; ” 
but that she can, as in former days, spread out 
her free wings when she listeth, and 
“ Show us all, 
From the clear space of ether to the small 
Breath of new buds unfolding 
for I have more faith in the love of my country 
for the old fanciful literature, than many have. 
