186 
MAJESTY. 
CROWN IMPERIAL. 
Bold oxlip,'and 
The crown imperial; lilies of all kinds; 
The flower'de luce being one. 
winter’s tale. 
This noble flower is said to have been in¬ 
troduced into England in the time of Shaks- 
pere, who has introduced it as above in his 
Winter’s Tale. 
On this family of plants modern botanists 
have bestowed the name of Fritillaria, of which 
this, from its commanding deportment and 
brilliant colours, is considered the sovereign. 
The lily’s height bespoke command, 
A fair imperial flower; 
She seemed designed for Flora’s hand, 
The sceptre of her power. 
We have therefore elevated this distinguished 
member of Flora’s kingdom to be the em¬ 
blem of majesty, and the representative of 
power in our floral sentiments. 
