30 THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN 



"Euphues and His England," by John Lyly (1554- 

 1606), we can see two charming ladies in ruffs and 

 farthingales and a gallant in rich doublet and 

 plumed hat walking in a garden, and we gain an 

 idea of the kind of "garden talk" that was comme 

 il faut: 



"One of the ladies, who delighted much in mirth, 

 seeing Philautus behold Camilla so steadfastly, said 

 unto him : 'Gentleman, what flower do you like best 

 in all this border*? Here be fair Roses, sweet Vio- 

 lets, fragrant Primroses; here be Gilliflowers, Carna- 

 tions, Sops-in-Wine, Sweet Johns, and what may 

 either please you for sight, or delight you with 

 savor. Loth we are you should have a posie of all, 

 yet willing to give you one, not that which shall 

 look best but such a one as you shall like best.' ' 



What could Philautus do but bow gallantly and 

 say: "Of all flowers, I love a fair woman." 



