FLORA'S LEXICON. 



215 



ERVAIN. Verbena. Class 2, DIANDRIA. 

 Order : MONOGYNIA. In superstitious ages 

 this plant was not only used in religious 

 ceremonies, but was thought to possess the 

 power of repelling witches and enchanters. 



A rev'rent fear, such superstition reigns 

 Among the rude, ev'n then possess'd the swains. 



DRYDEN. 



In ancient times the ambassadors or heralds-at-arms wore 

 crowns of vervain when they went to denounce war, or give 

 defiance to their enemies. 



A wreath of vervain heralds wear, 



Amongst our garlands named, 

 Being sent that dreadful news to bear, 

 Offensive war proclaim'd. 



DRAYTON. 



SUPERSTITION. 



England a happy land we know, 

 Where follies naturally grow, 

 Where without culture they arise; 

 And tow'r above the common size; 

 England, a fortune-telling host, 

 As num'rous as the stars could boast, 

 Matrons, who loss the cup, and see 

 The grounds of fate in grounds of tea. 



CHURCHILL, 



Gypsies, who ev'ry ill can cure, 

 Except the ill of being poor, 

 Who charms 'gainst love and agues sell, 

 Who can in hen-roost set a spell, 

 Prepared by arts, to them best known, 

 To catch all feet except their own, 

 Who as to fortune can unlock it, 

 As easily as pick a pocket. 



CHURCHILL, 



