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58
FLORA’S LEXICON.

AHRYSANTHEMUM, CHINESE. Chrysanthemum Indicum. Class 19, Syngenesia. Order: Superflua. Cheerfulness is the best shield that can be found to lighten the strokes of adversity. This flower, that gives so much cheerfulness to the parterre, when nearly all the other children of Flora have withdrawn their smiles, is presented as the emblem of this enviable disposition, and of the loveliness which it adorns.

LOVELINESS AND CHEERFULNESS.

Smooth flow the waves, the zephyrs gently play,
Belinda smiled and all the world was gay.

Pope


When Cheerfulness, a nymph of healthiest hue,
Her bow across her shoulders flung,
Her buskins gemm'd with morning dew,
Blew an inspiring air, that dale and thicket rung.

Collins


And her against sweet cheerfulness was placed,
Whose eyes like twinkling stars in evening clear,
Were deck’t with smyles, that all sad humours chased,
And darted forth delights, the which her goodly graced.

Spenser


Cheerful looks make every dish a feast,
And ’tis that crowns a welcome.

Massinger


What then remains but well our power to use,
And keep good humour still, whate’er we lose?
And trust me, dear, good humour can prevail,
When airs, and flights, and screams, and scolding fail;
Beauties in vain their pretty eyes may roll;
Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul.

Pope