THE COLUMBINE. 247 



while the ancient name of Flos jovis seems to in- 

 dicate that its adoption as a symbol by the Chris- 

 tians, as was usual in such cases, was simply a revival 

 of some sacred character attributed to it in heathen 

 times. Very different is the title of Herba leonis, 

 from its being, as Gerarde says, the " herb wherein 

 the lion delighteth." 



Naturalists have generally agreed that the medi- 

 cinal plant on whose virtues Dioscorides dilates, 

 under the names of Isopyron and Phasiolon, was 

 no other than the columbine, which Adrian Rapard, 

 and others, describe as of great use in medicine, 

 the candied seeds being administered for giddiness ; 

 and, when mixed with saifron, supposed to cure the 

 jaundice and to " expel poison/' though, as Gerarde 

 adds, they are " most frequently used in gargarisms 

 to dense the teeth and gums/' Tragus recommends 

 a drachm of the seed for complaints of the liver, or, 

 boiled in milk, for sore throat. It must, however, 

 be observed, that even ancient writers never seem 

 quite to like prescribing the columbine, and there 

 is little doubt that cases of poisoning occurred from 

 little children putting the leaves into their mouths. 

 This poison may, however, possibly not extend to 

 the seeds; under these circumstances it is difficult 

 to say whether we should attribute to its earthly, 

 or sacred, qualities the Welsh name of Madwysg 

 cyffredin, signifying liquid of universal benefit. 



According to Browne, the columbine is the em- 

 blem of hope to the deserted : 



" The columbine, in tawny often taken, 

 Is then ascribed to such as are forsaken ! 



