42 FLORAL EMBLEMS. 



Peacham draws " April as a young man in 

 green, with a garland of myrtle and hawthorn 

 buds ; in one hand primroses and violets, in 

 the other the sign of Taurus. This month hath 

 the name ab aperiendo/' says Varro, "because 

 now the earth begins to lay forth her treasures 

 to the world." 



" Fair handed spring unbosoms every grace." 



MAY 



*' Love, whose month is ever May." 



" Maids are May, when they are maids. 

 But the sky changes when they are wives." 



^5 You Like It. 



** Hail! bounteous May, that dost inspire 

 Mirth and youth, and warm desire ; 

 Woods and groves are of thy dressing. 

 Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing." 



Milton. 



