Alciato's Book of Emblems

Emblem 199

The cypress

The conical shape and the name of the Cypress indicate that one's offspring should be treated fairly.

Another

The Cypress tree is funereal, and by custom its foliage wreathes memorials to celebrated men, as parsley does for those of lower orders.

Another

Its foliage is beautiful, and its branches ordered in a beautiful shape; but this beautiful foliage bears no fruit.