42 
ARTS (THE). 
ACANTHUS. 
-the roof 
Of thickest covert was inwoven shade 
Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew 
Of firm and fragrant leaf; on either side 
Acanthus, and each odorous bushy shrub, 
Fenced up the verdant wall; each beauteous flower, 
Iris all hues, roses, and jessamine, 
Rear’d high their flourish’d heads between, and 
wrought 
Mosaic; underfoot the violet. 
Crocus, and hyacinth, with rich inlay, 
Broider’d the ground, more colour’d than with stone. 
Of costliest emblem. 
PARADISE LOST. 
The acanthus is found in hot countries, 
along the shores of great rivers. 
Le Nil du vert Acanthe admire le feuillage. 
It grows freely in our climate ; and Pliny 
assures us that it is a garden herb, and is 
admirably adapted, for ornament and embel¬ 
lishment. The ancients tastefully adorned 
their furniture, vases, and most costly attire, 
with its elegant leaves. And Virgil writes, 
that the robe of Helen was bordered with a 
wreath of acanthus in relief. 
This beautiful model of the arts has be¬ 
come their emblem; and he will be talented 
