70 THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN 



shapes : that is to say, either square, round, oval, or 

 diamond. This is but the outward proportion, or 

 the verge and girdle of your garden. As for the in- 

 ward proportions and shapes of the Quarters, Beds, 

 Banks, Mounts and such-like, they are to be divided 

 by Alleys, Hedges, Borders, Rails, Pillars and such- 

 like; and by these you may draw your garden unto 

 what form you please, not respecting whatsoever 

 shape the outward verge carrieth. For you may 

 make that garden which is square without to be 

 round within, and that which is round, either square, 

 or oval; that which is oval, either of the former, 

 and that which is diamond any shape at all, and 

 yet all exceedingly comely. You may also, if your 

 ground be naturally so situated, or if your industry 

 please so to bring it to pass, make your garden rise 

 and mount by several degrees, one level ascending 

 above another, in such sort as if you had divers gar- 

 dens one above another, which is exceedingly beauti- 

 ful to the eye and very beneficial to your flowers and 

 fruit-trees, especially if such ascents have the benefit 

 of the Sun rising upon them ; and thus, if you please, 

 you may have in one level a square plot ; in another, 

 a round; in a third a diamond; and in a fourth, an 

 oval; then amongst the ascending banks, which are 

 on either side the stairs, you mount into your several 



