But if they be graced with a signe compleat, it's a signe of a good custome." 

 In a masque of 1633, the constituents of a tavern are thus described : " A flamingo 

 red lattice, seueral drinking roomes, and a backe doore ; but especially a conceited 

 signe and an eminent bush" " Tavernes are quickly set up ; it is but hanging out 

 a bush at a nobleman's or an alderman's gate, and 'tis made instantly." 2 In a 

 woodcut from the " Cent Nouvelle Nouvelles," introduced in Wright's " Domestic 

 Manners," the Bush is suspended from a square board on which the sign was 

 painted for in France as well as in England signboard and bush went together 



" La taverne levee 

 L'enseigne et le bouclion, 

 La dame bien peignee 

 Les cheveux en bouchon." 3 



Whilst an English host, in u Good News and Bad News," says: " I rather will 

 take down my bush and sign than live by means of riotous expense." Gradually, 

 as signs became more costly, the bunch was entirely neglected and the sign alone 

 remained. 4 



It is not often that we meet with the ivy in modern poetry, and possibly the 

 fewness of its obvious characters may account for the rarity with which it has 

 suggested a metaphor or a fanciful comparison. To the ** poet's eye in a fine 

 frenzy rolling," the intimate relations between the plant and the scenes it loves 

 to warm and beautify have been always evident. In the simpering " language 

 of flowers" it stands well for friendship, with the motto "I die where I am 

 attached." 



The mind given to the perception of analogies will not fail to regard it as 

 the emblem of immortality and ever-renewing youth ; for 'it gives to death the 

 countenance of life, ever smiling with health and beauty. Byron's description of 

 the tomb of Cecilia Metella derives a wonderful richness from the time-defying 

 ivy, "the garland of eternity": 



" The Country Carbonadoed.' 3 By D. Lupton, 1632. 

 2 Shirley's " Masque of the Triumph of Peace." 



Voce Alehouse. 



" The tavern opened 

 With signboard and bush; 

 The landlady's hair neatly dressed, 

 Tied up in a knot." 



Chanson Nouvelle des Tavernes et Tavernieres, Fleur des Chansons Nouvelles. 

 4 Hotten's " History of Sign Boards." 



Lyon, 1586. 





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