P. 209, c. 1.—“Gentian,” jēn´shan. The _Gentianus crinita_. A branching
plant found in low grounds in autumn. The lobes of the corolla are of a
deep sky-blue and beautifully fringed.
“Thetis,” the´tis. The selection here given is taken from the first
book of the Homeric story. Agamemnon, the commander-in-chief of the
Greeks, has compelled Achilles, the favorite warrior, to give up
Briseis, his captive. In revenge Achilles has shut himself up in his
tent, refusing to take further part in the war. Thetis, the mother of
Achilles, has promised to obtain from Jupiter, the king of the gods, a
promise to give the victory to the Trojans until Agamemnon shall repent
the wrong. Thetis was one of the daughters of Nereus, called here the
“Ancient of the Deep,” the god of the Mediterranean.
“Santa Filomena,” Saint Fil-o-me´na. In the early part of this century
a grave was discovered with a Latin inscription which read “Filomena,
peace be with you.” She was at once accepted as a saint, and many
wonders worked by her. In a picture by Sabatelli, this saint is
represented hovering over a group of sick and maimed, healed by her
intercession. Longfellow here gives the title to Florence Nightingale.