On their skin you cannot even distinguish the circulating veins with the naked eye.

Certainly, certainly, not a light spot will disfigure the tulip which I have called into existence.

And by what name shall we call this offspring of my sleepless nights, of my labour and my thought?
Tulipa nigra Barlaensis?
"Yes Barlaensis: a fine name.

All the tulip-fanciers--that is to say, all the intelligent people of Europe--will feel a thrill of excitement when the rumour spreads to the four quarters of the globe: The grand black tulip is found! 'How is it called ?' the fanciers will ask.--'Tulipa nigra Barlaensis!'-- 'Why Barlaensis ?'--'After its grower, Van Baerle,' will be the answer.--'And who is this Van Baerle ?'--'It is the same who has already produced five new tulips: the Jane, the John de Witt, the Cornelius de Witt, etc.' Well, that is what I call my ambition.

It will cause tears to no one.