SYLVA 283 



But things of greater moment are behind ; 



For purple oleander may be joyn'd 



With oranges, and myrtles ; each of these 



Peculiar graces of their own possess. 



The myrtle chiefly, which, if fame says true, 



From the god's bounty its beginning drew. 



When Venus plac'd it in the pleasant shade 



Of the Idaean vales, about it playd 



Whole troops of wanton cupids, while the night 



Was clear, and Cynthia did display her light. 



This Citherea above all prefers, 



And by transcendent favour made it hers. 



With myrtle, hence, the wedded pair delights 



To crown their brows at hymenaeal rites. 



Hence Juno, who at marriages presides, 



For nuptial torches always these provides. 



Eriphyle, sad Procris, Phaedra too, 



And all those fools, who in Elysium wooe, 



Honour this plant, and under myrtle groves, 



If after death they last, recount their loves. 



Proud victors with its boughs themselves adorn, 



While round their temples wreaths with it are worn. 



Tudertus, when the vanquish'd Sabines fled, 



Plac'd one of these on his triumphant head. 



The trunk is humble, and the top as low, 



On which soft leaves and curled branches grow. 



Its grateful smell, and beauty so exact, 



Th' admiring nymphs from ev'ry part attract. 



If too much heat, or sudden cold surprize, 



Which are alike the myrtles enemies, 



You must avoid them both, and quickly place 



The tender plant within a wooden-case. 



Sheds may protect them, if the cold be great, 



Or watring from the summer's scorching heat ; 



No impious tool our tenderness allows 



To fell these groves, nor cattel here must browse. 



Oft oleanders in great vasa's live, 

 With myrtles mix'd, and oranges, and give 

 Some graces to your garden, which arise 

 From the confusion of their different dies. 



