Part 1

Transcriber’s Notes:

Underscores “_” before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_ in the original text. Small capitals have been converted to SOLID capitals. Old or antiquated spellings have been preserved. Typographical and punctuation errors have been silently corrected.

FABLES OF FLOWERS, FOR THE FEMALE SEX. WITH ZEPHYRUS AND FLORA, A VISION.

WRITTEN FOR THE AMUSEMENT OF HER HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL

BY THE AUTHOR OF THE CHOICE EMBLEMS, &C. &C.

NATURE here Wantons as in her prime, and plays at will Her virgin fancies. MILTON.

LONDON: PRINTED FOR GEORGE RILEY, BOOKSELLER, IN CURZON-STREET, MAY-FAIR.

AND SOLD BY JOHN WILKIE, ST. PAUL’S-CHURCH-YARD. MDCCLXXIII.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LADY CHARLOTTE FINCH.

THESE NEW FABLES WRITTEN FOR THE AMUSEMENT OF HER HIGHNESS,

CHARLOTTE, PRINCESS ROYAL OF ENGLAND.

ARE MOST HUMBLY DEDICATED BY HER LADYSHIP’S MOST HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT SERVANT,

THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

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.

[1] The author of The Vizlis: or Enchanted Labyrinth; an Oriental Tale, 3 Vols.—Wherein describes with great taste and fancy, the different passions that are subject to misguide the warm and expanded imagination, of Youth by the Flowers they make choice of in the Labyrinth.

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.

I.

As late I wander’d o’er the flow’ry plain, Where Cambrian Cluyd pours his silver tide, Amidst the pleasures of fair Plenty’s reign, And blushing flow’rs and fruits on ev’ry side:

II.

Soft sigh’d the west winds, murm’ring o’er the dale, Whose ev’ry charm rose fresher from the breeze; The lofty hills more boldly kiss’d the gale, Which skimm’d their tops, and shook the wavy trees.

III.

The sun descending, shot his golden beams Askance, with many a cloud his ev’ning throne Adorn’d; while mountains, woods, and lucent streams, With the last blushes of his radiance shone.

IV.

Far stretching hence, Cambria’s rough heights I view, Where Liberty long since forlorn retir’d, Left fairer climes, and skies of brighter hue, And, but at last, triumphantly expir’d:

V.

And wide around me wound the fertile vale[2], Fit theme and subject of the poet’s song; Whose num’rous beauties load the passing gale, Whose breath repeats them, as it glides along.

[2] The Vale of Cluyd.

VI.

Bright Phœbus sunk, dim twilight now succeeds, Still gleaming dubious with uncertain ray, While tremblingly among the vocal reeds The ev’ning breezes still more faintly play.

VII.

Amid this beauteous, soft, and flow’ry scene, On a high bank, all listless, I reclin’d; Whose shelving sides were crown’d with lively green, By tufted trees and bord’ring flow’rs confin’d.

VIII.

Here, while the landscape faded on my sight, Wild Fancy’s eye still brighter scenes supply’d; I view’d not the last track of parting light, Nor mark’d the fanning breezes as they dy’d.

IX.

At length, Imagination, roving maid, Though gentle sleep had fetter’d all my pow’rs In golden chains, my busy soul convey’d To other landscapes and immortal bow’rs.

X.

Methought I stood amidst a garden fair, Whose bounds no sight of mortal eye could trace, Situate mid-way, betwixt earth, seas, and air, Unmark’d by Time, uncircumscrib’d by Space.

XI.

Not half so sweet was that delightsome dale, Which to my waking view appear’d so bright; For _here_ did never-ceasing suns prevail, With mildest sweetness temp’ring heav’nly light.

XII.

Spring breath’d eternal glories o’er the land: And gentlest winds, o’er fragrant lawns that blow, Nurs’d beauteous buds unset by mortal hand, And op’ning flow’rs that without planting grow.

XIII.

Serene the heav’ns, save where a cloudy shrine, Big with cœlestial plenty, sail’d on high, Show’r’d Spring’s own roses from her seat divine, And drew a purple radiance o’er the sky.

XIV.

Meanwhile, soft music echoing from each grove, Tun’d to enchanting notes most soft and clear, That breath’d the soul of harmony and love, Thrill’d the rapt breast, and charm’d the list’ning ear.

XV.

And still the while, with voices loud and sweet, The warbling birds in dulcet concert join’d, The waters murm’ring flow with cadence meet, “Low answer’d by the gently whisp’ring wind.”

XVI.

These themes of wonder silent I survey’d, Attentive hanging on each dying sound; Pleas’d with the glories which I saw display’d, And scenes of joy and pleasure op’ning round.

XVII.

Yet still methought a certain want appear’d, Of some to own this spot, so heav’nly fair, Else were each charming flow’ret vainly rear’d, “To bloom unnotic’d to the desart air:”

XVIII.

Else, were in vain these soft melodious strains, Which the whole soul of harmony inspir’d, Pour’d to the wild woods and the lonely plains, Though worthiest still by all to be admir’d.

XIX.

Such were creation’s first imperfect hours, When the gay heav’ns in early beauty shone, And earth, bedeck’d with beasts, birds, plants, and flow’rs, Spread all her bosom to the genial sun;

XX.

Unfinish’d still the mighty work appear’d, Till Man, the lord of all, was bid to rise; With open brow his face divine who rear’d, And sought with upright look his native skies.

XXI.

Thus as I paus’d, still louder swell’d the notes, From ev’ry bush, and brake, and echoing hill; While choirs cœlestial seem’d to tune their throats, And, with glad voice the chearful chorus fill.

XXII.

Then, by some magic pow’r swift snatch’d away, Ev’n to the midst of that delightful land, I view’d at once all clad in bright array, A thousand Genii of the gardens stand.

XXIII.

But far above all these a seat was plac’d, Dress’d with each flow’r that ev’ry season knows, Whose vary’d tints, in gem-like order, grac’d The rural theatre which gradual rose.

XXIV.

For lo! the Genius of each blooming flow’r Brought his own fav’rite with peculiar care, To deck the arch of this inchanted bow’r, And, bowing at the throne, he plac’d it there.

XXV.

A sight more beauteous ne’er did eye behold, Than these bright tribes that glitter’d on the day; And, rich in purple dyes and flaming gold, Did their bright bosoms to the sun display.

XXVI.

Such was the throne;—but oh! what pen can trace The heav’nly beauties of the matchless Two, Who, glowing with each bright cœlestial grace, Sat there aloft, conspicuous to the view!

XXVII.

The first, a youth of sweet and gentle mien, With many a wreath and knotted garland crown’d; Whose beauteous visage glow’d with charms serene, And on whose shoulders purple wings were bound:

XXVIII.

These when he spreads, reviving Nature pours Her copious treasures of immortal bloom; Whilst through vast realms he scatters vernal stores, And from his downy pinions shakes perfume.

XXIX.

His name was ZEPHYRUS; and next him sat The beauteous goddess of the blooming year, The constant partner of his rural state, To heav’n and earth, to gods and mortals dear;

XXX.

FLORA, bright pow’r, who sheds a thousand sweets O’er thousand lands, what time her gifts appear, What time her consort with his kisses greets Her coral lips, and wakes the rising year.

XXXI.

Her beauteous face was deck’d with youthful pride, Her graceful form in flamy robes was dress’d; And ev’ry charm wild Nature could provide, Adorn’d her head, and beam’d upon her breast.

XXXII.

Beside the throne, rang’d in fair order, stood The various Seasons of the rolling year; By all their train of months, weeks, days, pursu’d: And all their various symbols flourish’d here.

XXXIII.

First came the SPRING, led by the rosy Hours, With all the Loves and Graces in her train; Deck’d with her wreath of never-fading flow’rs, Diffusing odours o’er the smiling plain.

XXXIV.

Next SUMMER came; his cheeks with ardour fir’d, With his own blushing fruits and harvests crown’d; Before whose face the infant Spring retir’d, And with her roses strew’d the russet ground.

XXXV.

Stain’d with the grape’s press’d juice, with steadier pace, Still looking backward on preceding time, Ripe AUTUMN next succeeded in his place; Scatt’ring rich fruits, the growth of ev’ry clime.

XXXVI.

Last WINTER comes, with heavy step and flow, A hoary captive bound in icy chains; With haggard eyes, and mantle dipp’d in snow, Who still of cold in Spring’s own realms complains.

XXXVII.

Not one of these, but from their various store Some off’ring meet to lovely Flora pay; Not one of these, but with that off’ring more, And her soft reign most willingly obey.

XXXVIII.

Ev’n WINTER’S self, with look averted, throws, His thin-strewn flow’rets on the goddess’ shrine; Ev’n _his_ cold bosom for a moment glows, When he beholds her radiant form divine.

XXXIX.

But now the Genii of each plant and flow’r, Rang’d in fair order, wait her high commands; And each, approaching her delicious bow’r, In expectation of her verdict stands.

XL.

For many of the _garden’s_ painted race, And some that with their colours deck the _field_, Rivals in wealth, in beauty, and in grace, Had wag’d high wars, unknowing how to yield.

XLI.

All claim’d preferment, and each one could boast Of some bright beauty or perfection dear, Which should induce mankind to prize _her_ most, And to preferment make her title clear.

XLII.

And some, of empty shew and titles vain; Alas! that Pride so many should deceive! Claim’d o’er their kindred plants and flow’rs to reign: And of their birthright others would bereave.

XLIII.

The Crown Imperial, and the spurious Flow’r Which boasts of royal arms and royal mien[3]; The warlike Plant that claims immortal pow’r[4], And that gay lady call’d the Meadow’s Queen.

XLIV.

All these, and more, that scorn’d a subject state, Rose to the claim of high imperial sway: Forgetting—to be _good_ was to be _great_— They rose to rule, unpractis’d to obey.

XLV.

Others again for _beauty’s_ meed contend, Chief amidst whom appear’d the Tulip race; A painted tribe, born only to contend For praise, where _all_ is giv’n external grace.

XLVI.

Alcæa proud[5]; and lovely Venus’ joy, That does from adverse winds its title claim[6]; The once conceited, self-admiring Boy[7], Whose love prepost’rous gave a flow’r a name.

[3] Iris, or Fleur de lis.

[4] Larkspur.

[5] The Hollyhock.

[6] Anemone, or Wind Flower.

[7] Narcissus.

XLVII.

The proud Carnation dipp’d in brightest dyes, Who still with thirst of praise and glory burns; With her whose mirrour cheats deluded eyes[8], And she that still to her lov’d Phœbus turns[9].

XLVIII.

There, with their num’rous chiefs of diff’rent hues, The painted Cock’s Comb, and his lofty train, Their beauties vaunting, to the rest refuse To share the glories of their gaudy reign.—

XLIX.

The judges sat, each sep’rate claim was heard, While some for _rule_, and some for _praises_, sought; And some had been disgrac’d, and some preferr’d, As in the goddess’ mind their various pleadings wrought

L.

But her lov’d consort, gently whisp’ring, said: “What means my Queen, on these to cast her sight, Who have but pride or lust of sway display’d, Nor brought their real worth or virtues to the light?”

[8] Bell Flower, Corn Violet, or Venus’s Looking-Glass.

[9] Clytie, or the Sun-Flower.

LI.

How many absent now, more fair than these, With greater fragrance in lone valleys blow? Or, if the garden’s flow’ry tribe more please, Where do the Rose and lovely Vi’let glow?

LII.

The Lily where, and all that num’rous host, Who claim true praise to innate virtue due; Or do they _merit least_ who _loudest boast_, And with false glare impose upon the view?

LIII.

For sure, of all who feel my genial gale, Or to the sun their fragrant breasts unfold, The best and sweetest that on earth prevail, Yet do I not in this fair court behold.

LIV.

He said; and FLORA, rising from her throne, Bade present search for ev’ry one be made: Who, though their off’rings on her altar shone, Their modest haste had from the court convey’d.

LV.

Strait they return’d:—The lovely blushing Rose, The Lily ever chaste and ever fair, The Vi’let sweet with purple tints that glows, And Myrtle green, that scents the ambient air:

LVI.

With many more, grateful to sight and smell, By bounteous heav’n with matchless charms endu’d; That in the fragrant meads or gardens dwell, Or which wild wastes from human eyes seclude.

LVII.

These by their Genii now in modest guise, Excus’d from pleading ’midst the mingled throng. Claim’d but the tribute all allow’d their prize, Nor sought their own just praises to prolong.

LVIII.

Yet, these once seen, abash’d their rivals stand; And would have fled, but FLORA this deny’d; Who, rising graceful, with her out-stretch’d hand, Thus briefly to th’ assembled pow’rs apply’d:

LIX.

“Genii of gardens, meads, and sylvan scenes, Attendant still in FLORA’S vernal train, Say what this ardent, fond contention means, Why strive you thus for pow’r, and strive in vain?

LX.

Are you not all beneath our sceptre blest; Say, do not all confess our gentle sway? Then seek not one to triumph o’er the rest, But each in peaceful order still obey.

LXI.

So _all_ the glories of my reign shall share, So _all_ be still in poets songs renown’d, So shall my ZEPHYR still with gentlest air, Wave o’er your beds, with bloom eternal crown’d.

LXII.

And _you_, who not for pow’r, but beauty’s charms, For gaudy tints, still fiercely would contend; What envious fire such gentle bosoms warms? And where, alas! must the mad contest end?

LXIII.

Each has her charms, and each peculiar worth, To all in various portions duly giv’n, By secret Nature working at its birth, The lavish bounty of indulgent Heav’n.

LXIV.

Each has her charms:—but view the blushing Rose, Behold the beauties of the Lily fair; Few boast of equal excellence to those, Yet with their modest merit none compare.

LXV.

These, therefore, we prefer; and though no Queen Besides Ourselves we will to hold the reign; Yet, for their true desart conspicuous seen, We rank them foremost on the flow’ry plain.

LXVI.

Hear, and obey; and if aught else abide, To raise dispute among your orders bright; Still by true merit let the cause be try’d, And specious _shew_ yield to more solid _right_.”

LXVII.

She spoke;—the Seasons, and the winged Hours, Confirm’d her voice; then breath’d a rich perfume, Which ZEPHYR scatter’d wide o’er all the flow’rs, And deck’d their leaves with more than mortal bloom.

LXVIII.

Then, his lov’d consort straining in his arms, With gentlest touch salutes her swelling breast; Who strait shone forth in more refulgent charms, As JUNO when by vernal JOVE caress’d.

LXIX.

And sudden joining in a mazy dance, The airy phantoms of the scene appear’d; Some to the sprightly timbrel did advance, While some their clear harmonious voices rear’d.

LXX.

But One among the rest, who view’d me stand Intent, and gazing on the prospect near, Came forth, and gently touch’d my trembling hand, And bade me mark his words, and nothing fear:

LXXI.

“And seest thou not (said he) these vary’d flow’rs, Contending still for beauty or for sway? Such are the contests which employ man’s hours, In life’s short, busy, transitory day.

LXXII.

For what is gaudy beauty’s short-liv’d bloom, The pomp of pow’r, of riches, or of pride; Soon bury’d in the undistinguish’d tomb, Which all their boasted pomp at once must hide?

LXXIII.

VIRTUE alone survives, immortal maid! Her truly amaranthine flow’r shall blow, When all the rest are wrapt in dusky shade, And laid in dark and dusty ruins low.

LXXIV.

Hear, and attend!—improve the moral strain, So may’st thou sail safe through life’s dang’rous sea; So from these scenes thou wisdom may’st attain, And FLORA prove MINERVA’S self to thee.”

LXXV.

He ceas’d; and well I mark’d the prudent lore, And much revolv’d his saying in my mind; Bent all the mystic moral to explore, By this romantic, splendid scene design’d.

LXXVI.

But, the full concert swelling on my ear, The bands of Sleep dissolv’d, away he flies; At once the train of phantoms disappear, And on my waking sight the vision dies.

LXXVII.

No longer now near FLORA’S bow’r I stood, But view’d with op’ning eyes the rising day; Then down the Valley fair my path pursu’d, And homeward took my solitary way.

FABLES OF FLOWERS.

FABLE I.

The HOLLYHOCK and the LILY of the VALE.

I.

’Twas early morn, Sol’s radiant beams Illum’d the landscape round. The dew-drops glitter’d on the day, And gem-like deck’d the ground.

II.

Within the garden’s cultur’d walks A Hollyhock there grew; And there the Lily of the Vale Kept humble distance due.

III.

Elate with pride, the gaudy flow’r Expands its swelling breast; And, joying in the vernal scene, The LILY thus address’d:

IV.

“What dost thou here, mean paltry thing, “Go blow in yonder field; “Nor thus disgrace fair FLORA’S tribes, “That heav’nly beauties yield.

V.

“Go, with thy faint and sickly hue; “Some chearless vale adorn; “But here intrude not on our reign, “Nor drink the dew of morn.

VI.

“Whilst I with heighten’d colours glow, “In Summer’s liv’ry gay; “Imbibe the softest tints of light, “And glitter on the day.

VII.

“Me yonder golden sun shall warm, “At morn and noon-tide hour; “And me his ev’ning beams attend, “Like his own fav’rite flow’r.

VIII.

“Nor yonder Rose, nor Bacchus’ Plant, “Which twining near me grows, “Can boast more excellence than me, “Or brighter dyes disclose.

IX.

“Hence thou! nor this fair spot profane, “Where fairer flow’rets blow; “Return again to shades obscure, “And there neglected grow.”

X.

The LILY heard, with decent grace, That scorn’d the boaster’s pride; Then from her lone, unenvy’d bed She thus in brief reply’d;

XI.

“From vaunting loud what fame is gain’d, “To raise the boaster’s name; “Or might not yonder blushing Rose “Exert a fairer claim?

XII.

“And many a flow’r that round thee blows, “In the bright garb of Spring; “Or, rich in elegant perfumes, “That scent the Zephyr’s wing.

XIII.

“The vine, with purple clusters deck’d, “Shall soon rich sweets bestow; “Whilst thou, a barren flow’r at best, “Art only made for show.

XIV.

“For ME;—what Nature form’d, I am; “I envy not thy pride; “Nor seek to raise a greater boast, “By Providence deny’d.

XV.

“Yet in some dark and dang’rous hour, “When tempests rude assail; “Ev’n thou may’st wish the humbler state “Of LILY OF THE VALE.”

XVI.

Safe from her humble spot she said, And view’d the changing sky; From op’ning clouds the thunders break, The livid lightnings fly.

XVII.

Full on the garden’s lofty wall, The flow’rs exalted place, The fires æthereal swiftly fall, And rend its solid base.

XVIII.

And now the boaster’s trust and pride Assur’d her overthrow; Her glories buried in the dust, By one destructive blow.

XIX.

The LILY view’d the ruin’d flow’r, And strait this Moral drew; _Beauty and Pride are idly vain,_ _But Praise is Merit’s due_.

XX.

_Daughters of Albion, timely wise,_ _Attend the moral tale;_ _And imitate with prudent care_ THE LILY OF THE VALE.

FABLE II.

The ALOE in BLOSSOM.

I.

“From warmer climates early borne, “Where beams the god of light; “How gaily blooms yon lofty plant, “In native colours bright!

II.