Xenia epigram

A xenia epigram is an epigram attached to a gift, sometimes as represented in a xenia mosaic. Originally found in Latin literature, it was revived in the nineteenth century.

An example:

With a mosaic "Forget me not"

Accept and wear this constant flower,
Thus copied out by art.
It blooms in Nature but its hour,--
For ever in the heart.
Affections into habits grown,--
Lives fastened in one lot,--
The flower has strengthened into stone
We name "Forget me not."

References

Nathaniel Langdon Frothingham (1855). Metrical Pieces: Translated and Original. Boston: Croby, Nichols. p. 349. xenia mosaic.

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