When I survey the divine simplicity and blooming attractions, that are displayed amongst the variegated tribes of the vegetable creation, I cease to wonder, that Queens forego, for a while, the compliments of a nation, or withdraw from the glitter of a court, to be attended with the more splendid equipage of a bed of flowers; where nothing seems wanting but the power of speech, to make them become the most pleasing Monitors.
How far the Author of the following Fables, written for the amusement of an exalted Personage, may have succeeded, in descriptive fancy, as a poet: it is hoped, that, the moral and refined admonitions which may be found to breathe, from the fragrant bosom of a silver-robed Lily, or a blooming Jonquil, will throw a veil over any poetical inaccuracies; for who can paint like Nature?
As to the novelty of the plan, I cannot but hold myself, in a great measure, indebted to an ingenious Lady[1], well known in the literary world. And can only say, that I have found both health and recreation in the completion of it; by sharing some of the sweetest hours of contemplation, among the lovely subjects of the following pages.
THE AUTHOR.
TABLE of CONTENTS.
| Page | |
| ZEPHYRUS and FLORA | [ 1] |
| FABLE I. | |
| The Hollyhock and Lily of the Vale | [24] |
| II. | |
| The Aloe in Blossom | [31] |
| III. | |
| The Rose and Hornet | [37] |
| IV. | |
| The Sensitive Plant | [42] |
| V. | |
| The Hawthorn and the Primrose | [47] |
| VI. | |
| The White Rose and the Red | [53] |
| VII. | |
| The Crocus | [59] |
| VIII. | |
| The Anemone and the Passion Flower | [64] |
| IX. | |
| The Lily and Narcissus | [69] |
| X. | |
| The Ivy and Sweet Briar | [73] |
| XI. | |
| The Violet Transplanted | [77] |
| XII. | |
| The Tulip and the Amaranth | [81] |
| XIII. | |
| The Honey Succkle and Youth | [87] |
| XIV. | |
| Belinda and the Blue-Bell | [92] |
| XV. | |
| The Larkspur and the Myrtle | [97] |
| XVI. | |
| The Poppy and the Sun-Flower | [102] |
| XVII. | |
| The Iris and the Rose | [109] |
| XVIII. | |
| The Nasturtium and the Wall Flower | [113] |
| XIX. | |
| The Traveller and Lapland Rose | [119] |
| XX. | |
| The Deadly Night Shade | [124] |
| XXI. | |
| The Crown Imperial and Hearts Ease | [129] |
| XXII. | |
| The Water Lily | [133] |
| XXIII. | |
| The Funeral Flowers and the Lover | [137] |
| XXIV. | |
| The Field and Garden Daisy | [142] |
| XXV. | |
| The Pinks and Arbutus | [147] |
| XXVI. | |
| The Cockscomb and Sweet William | [153] |
| XXVII. | |
| The Jasmine and Hemlock | [157] |
| XXVIII. | |
| The Carnation and Southernwood | [161] |
| XXIX. | |
| The Rosemary and Field Flower | [165] |
| XXX. | |
| The Judgment of the Flowers | [169] |
ZEPHYRUS
AND
FLORA:
A VISION.