THE LANGUAGE AND 



great solemnity, placed bouquets upon their 

 tables. Keats thus rehearses the custom: 



Garlands of evety green, and every scent, 



From vales deflower'il. or forest trees branch-rent, 



In baskets of bright osiered gold were brought. 



High as the handles heaped, to suit the thought 



Of every guest, that each as he did please 



Might fancy fit his brows, silk-pillowed at his ease. 



At their bridal festivals 



It was the custom there to bring away 



The bride from home at blushing shut of day 



Veiled in a chariot, heralded along 



By strewn flowers, torches, and a marriage song. 



In modern times, flowers are introduced 

 on festive occasions, in various places. On 

 Saints' days, in Roman catholic countries, 

 " processions are formed which pass under 

 arches hung with boughs, occasionally paus- 

 ing before altars covered with flowers. There 

 the eye dwells With delight on the most beau- 

 tiful garlands; and the attendants, who are 

 numerous, are ornamented with the rarest 

 flowers. The streets are strewed with them ; 

 choristers carry baskets full of roses and yel- 

 low broom, which they throw at intervals 

 before the sacred altars. Ladies, too, who 



