The Holly as a Subject for the Poet 



Can emblems see, 



Wherewith perchance to make a pleasant rhyme 



One which may profit in the after time. 



Thus though abroad perchance I might appear 



Harsh and austere, 



To those who on my leisure would intrude 



Reserved and rude, 



Gentle at home amid my friends I'd be 



Like the high leaves upon the Holly Tree." 



In Evelyn's Silva the following ode is quoted 

 with reference to the snaring of birds with bird- 

 lime prepared from Holly bark. 



" Alas ! In vain with warmth and food 

 You cheer the Songster of the wood, 

 The barbarous boy from you prepares 

 On treacherous twigs his viscous snares. 

 Yes ! the poor bird you nurs'd shall find 

 Destruction in your rifled rind." 



The superstitious legends attached to the Holly 

 are generally beneficial to mankind, and the 

 author of the following lines probably had this in 

 mind when he warned people against mentioning 

 it in a disrespectful manner. 



" Her commys Holly, that is so gent 

 To please all men is his intent, 



Alleluia ! 



But lord and lady of this hall 

 Who-so-ever ageynst Holly call, 



Alleluia ! 



Who-so-ever ageynst Holly do crye 

 In a lepe shall be hung full hie, 



Alleluia ! 

 59 



