Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1884 — A Legend of the Narcissus. [ARTICLE]

A Legend of the Narcissus.

There dwelt, in far Cathay, a man rich in gold, silver, and lands; he had two sons. The mother had long been sleeping ’neath the roses and lilies. At length the father fell sick, and his two sons gathered around his dying couch to receive his parting blessing. To the elde&t son he gave all his possessions, except a small, rocky piece of ground, containing a few acres, which he gave to his youngest son. After the last sad rites were paid to the departed father, the youngest son, crest-fallen and dejected, turned to his poor inheritance; but he found it so barren and unfruitful that he left.it and became a wanderer in the land. At length, weary and foot-sore, he came to a rippling brook, where with its crystal waters he quenched his thirst; and ’neath the friendly willow he laid himself down to rest. The fragrance of the flowers, and the soft murmur of the brook lulled him to sleep. During his rest a beautiful water-nymph came to him and said: “Take the bulbs of the flowers which grow so plentifully around you to your home, plant them in the rocks, tend them well and you shall have your reward. ” He awoke with a start, looked around for the nymph he had seen in his dream, but she was gone. He arose, laughed at his dream and started on his journey, but his dream so haunted him that he turned and went back, gathered the bulbs and laden with them returned to his home, planted and watered them well and screened them from the rays of the scorching noon-day sun. His companions gazed at him in amazement, and said among themselves: “Surely no good can come from these senseless roots.” But he, continued his care of them, and was at last rewarded for all his labor by seeing the flower-buds make their appearance. And as the Chinese New Year approached, what a year ago was but a bare and rocky knoll, now appeared to be a fairy table spread with snowy saucers and golden cups filled with creamy pollen. Now young and old came in throngs to buy the lovely flowers for their New Year’s festival. At the close of the day, in beholding his harvest, he felt amply rewarded for his trouble. In every Chinese dwelling, however humble, you find the narcissus growing in a dish of stones, and if they blossom before the dawn of their New Year, it is considered a good omen. Add to this day the narcissus, or Chinese lily, is their favorite flower.