ROSEMARY.] NATURAL HISTORY. 263 



[Rosemary was used both at weddings and funerals. " There 

 will be charges saved too ; the same Rosemary that serves for 

 the funeral will serve for the wedding" (Middleton, "The Old 

 Law," iv. i, 36). So also HerricKs " Hesperides," " The Rose- 

 mary Branch " : 



Grow for two ends, it matters not at all 

 Be 't for my bridal, or my burial. 



From the same author we learn that the Rosemary was; 

 gilded : 



My wooing's ended ; now my wedding's near, 

 When gloves are given, gilded be you there. 



(" To Rosemary and Bays.")] 



THE last of the flowers is the Rosemary (Rosmarinus, the 

 Rosemary is for married men), the which by name, nature, 

 and continued use, man challengeth as properly belonging 

 to himself. It over-toppeth all the flowers in the garden, 

 boasting man's rule. It helpeth the brain, strengthened the 

 memory, and is very medicinable for the head. Another 

 property of the Rosemary is, it affects the heart. Let this 

 Rosmarinus, this flower of men, ensign of your wisdom, love 

 and loyalty, be carried not only in your hands, but in your 

 heads and hearts. 



Rcger Hackett, " A Wedding Present," quoted in 

 Brand's " Popular Antiquities," vol. ii. 49. 



THE Rosemary that was washed in sweet water to set out 

 the bridal is now wet in tears to furnish her burial. 



T/:os. Dekker, "The Wonderful Year 1603." 



THE price of flowers, herbs and garlands rose wonder- 

 fully [during the plague-time], insomuch that Rosemary 

 which had wont to be sold for 12 pence an armful went 

 now for six shillings a handful. .,., 



AND stuck her with Rosemary to sweeten her ; she was 

 tainted ere she came to my hands. 



Middleton, "The Old Law," iv. I, 12. 



