INTRODUCTION. 9 



whom it is supposed to have been invented, 

 since it is a kind of parable which speaks to 

 the eye, and through that medium is trans- 

 mitted to the heart. 



That love reigned in the breast before the 

 hand had practised the art of forming hiero- 

 glyphics cannot be doubted, and that man 

 should select the most beautiful objects in 

 nature to represent his most ardent passion is 

 equally probable. We may conclude that the 

 bower of myrtle and roses was the earliest 

 temple dedicated to love and beauty, and that 

 to this happy spot the youth invited his spouse 

 by means of floral emblems. 



Milton thus pictures the first parents of 

 mankind : 



" Hand in hand alone they pass'd 



On to their blissful bow'r : it was a place 

 Chos'n by the sovereign planter, when he fram'd 

 All things to man's delightful use ; the roof 

 Of thickest covert was inwoven shade, 

 Laurel and myrtle, and what higher grew 



