252 SYLVAN SKETCHES. 



hand, while with the right he appears to draw a contrite 

 spirit from the jaws of hell. 



Some think it should be printed anoint thee, instead of 

 aroint thee. A witch, in Ben Jonson^s Masque of Queens, 

 exclaims, 





 " Sisters, stay, we want our dame ; 



. Call upon her by her name, 

 And the charms we use to say ; 

 That she quickly anoint, and come away." 



Anoint would carry nearly the same meaning as 

 avaunt; it would, at least, signify a preparation for 

 departure ; for it is understood of that amiable sister- 

 hood, that when they wished to transport themselves 

 from one place to another, they always anointed them- 

 selves, and sometimes the thing they rode on, whatever 

 that might be. Some have inquired so deeply into this 

 subject, as to know all the ingredients of the witches 

 ointment. 



This is supposed to be the tree designed by Virgil, in 

 the second Georgic, where he mentions several trees as 

 being capable of grafting with others : 



" Castaneae fagus, ornusque incanuit albo 



Flore pyri, glandemque sues fregere sub ulmis." 



" Thjjsjaaastful beech the bristly chestnut bears, 

 And the wild ash is white with blooming pears ; 

 And greedy swine from grafted elms are fed 

 With falling acorns, that on oaks are bred." 



DBYDEN'S Translation. 



Modern gardeners, however, do not approve of grafting 

 where there is no affinity. 



A poet of our own times, and one whom all admirers 



