Flora's Lexicon/Columbine
OLUMBINE. Aquilegia. Class 13, Polyandria. Order: Monogynia. This graceful flower has long been a favourite inhabitant of the rustic flower border, and is commonly found in the open places of forests, or extensive woods. It has been made the emblem of folly;—why, it is difficult to say.
FOLLY.
Bring Lilies for a maiden’s grave, Roses to deck the bride,Tulips for all who love thro’ life In brave attire to ride:Bring each for each, in bower and hall, But cull the Columbine for all.
“The Columbine? full many a flower Hath hues more clear and bright,Although she doth in purple go, In crimson, pink, and white.Why, when so many fairer shine, Why choose the homely Columbine?”
“Know ye the cap which Folly wears In ancient masques and plays?Does not the Columbine recal That toy of olden days?And is not Folly reigning now O’er many a wisdom-written brow?
“’Tis Folly’s flower, that homely one; That universal guestMakes every garden but a type Of every human breast;For though ye tend both mind and bower, There’s still a nook for Folly’s flower.”
Twamley