Note 234 — No. XXIV.

[Thus sings Dr. Darwin of the Loves of the Plants:

“Two brother swains, of Collins’ gentle name,

The same their features, and their forms the same,

With rival love for fair Collinia sigh,

Knit the dark brow, and roll the unsteady eye.

With sweet concern the pitying beauty mourns,

And soothes with smiles the jealous pair by turns.

“Woo’d with long care, Curcuma, cold and shy,

Meets her fond husband with averted eye.

Four beardless youths the obdurate beauty move

With soft attentions of Platonic love.”—Ed.]