FLORAL CEREMONIES. 125 



Then search not where the curious rose 



Beyond his season loitering growa ; 



But beneath the mantling vine, 



While I quaff the flowing wine, 



The myrtle's wreath shall crown our brows, 



While you shall wait and I carouse." 



TRANSLATED BY FRANCIS. 



*< The allusion to Persia in this ode," says 

 Phillips, " confirms our idea, that the taste for 

 flowers came to Rome from the East ; garlands 

 were suspended at the gates, or in the temples, 

 where feasts or solemn rejoicings were held, 

 and at all places where public joy and gaiety 

 were desired ;" thus, in the play of " All for 

 Love/' Serapim says 



" Set before your doors 

 The images of all your sleeping fathers, 

 With laurels crowned; with laurels wreathe your posts, 

 And strew with flowers the pavement ; let the priest 

 . Do present sacrifice ; pour out the wine, 

 Arrd call the gods to join with you in gladness." 



DRYDEN. 



And again, in " the Distrest Mother/' we find 

 an allusion to the floral decorations which it was 

 customary to place in the hands of victims in 

 11* 



