

130 FLORAL CEREMONIES 



the drowsy hum of the wild -bees meets our ears, 

 while the perfume of the thyme and other odor- 

 iferous plants and flowers steal over the senses 

 with a soothing influence, like slumber ; we 

 dream, yet we are awake ; we behold realities 

 as though they were but phantoms creatures 

 of imagination. All is shadowy, indistinct, yet 

 full of beauty and intelligence. Lo, you now, 

 you happy-looking group of men and women, 

 laden with bright-hued blossoms, and verdant 

 boughs, piping and singing so merrily as they 

 cross the plain. Let us question him who sits 

 watching his sheep by the stream, that glides 

 so glassly along the foot of the green hill : 



<f From whence come all these shepherd swains 

 And lovely nymphs attired in green ?" 



Hark, he answers, 



4< From gathering garlands on the plains 

 To crown our fair, the shepherds' queen.'* 



Nearer they come, yet nearer, and now the 

 words of their song can be distinguished : 



" Bring hither the pinke and purple columbine, 

 With gillyflowers 



