Heliotrope.... Devoted Affection.
Reading edition
The Heliotrope is a native of Peru. It is often confounded with the Sunflower, though it is of a different genus. The blossoms of the Heliotrope form clusters of very small, delicate, fragrant flowers, generally of a faint purple colour or white, sometimes red, or bluish-white. It is a general favourite of the fair sex, and is considered as the emblem of devoted affection, on account of its face being ever turned to the sun, which it seems to worship. The Heliotrope was introduced into Europe in 1740, by the celebrated Jussieu.
As laurel leaves, that cease not to be green, From parching sonne, nor yet from winter’s threat,— As hardened oak, that fears no sworde so keen,— As flint for tool, in twaine that will not fret,— As fast as rock, or pillar surely set,— So fast am I to you, and aye have been, Assuredly whom I cannot forget; For joy, for paine, for torment, nor for tene; For loss, for gaine, for frowning, nor for threat; For ever one, yea, both in calm and blast, Your faithful love, and will be to the last! Old Poet. 1555.
Yet do not think I doubt thee; I know thy truth remains; I would not live without thee, For all the world contains. Thou art the star that guides me Along life’s troubled sea;— Whatever fate betides me, This heart still turns to thee. G. P. Morris.
He on his side Leaning half-raised, with looks of cordial love Hung over her enamoured, and beheld Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep, Shot forth peculiar graces. Milton.
Like Ixion, I look on Juno, feel my heart turn to cinders With an invisible fire; and yet, should she Deign to appear clothed in a various cloud, The majesty of the substance is so sacred I durst not clasp the shadow. I behold her With adoration, feast my eye, while all My other senses starve; and, oft frequenting The place which she makes happy with her presence, I never yet had power, with tongue or pen, To move her to compassion, or make known What ’tis I languish for; yet I must gaze still, Though it increase my flame. Massinger.