"SWEET SUMMER BUDS" 221 



with white threads in the middle, smelling also very 



sweet." 



According to the Greeks, Myrtle was a priestess 

 of Venus and an especial favorite of the goddess, 

 who, wishing to preserve her from a too ardent 

 suitor, turned her into this plant, which continues 

 odorous and green throughout the year. Having 

 the virtue of creating and preserving love and being 

 consecrated to Venus, the mrytle was symbolic of 

 love. Consequently it was used for the wreaths of 

 brides, as the orange-blossom is to-day. Venus wore 

 a wreath of myrtle when Paris awarded her the 

 Golden Apple for beauty, perhaps in memory of 

 the day when she sprang from the foam of the sea 

 and, wafted ashore by Zephyrus, was crowned with 

 myrtle by the Morning Hours ! Myrtle was always 

 planted around the temples dedicated to Venus. 



Rapin writes: 



When once, as Fame reports, the Queen of Love 



In Ida's valley raised a Myrtle grove, 



Young wanton Cupids danced a summer's night 



Round the sweet place by Cynthia's silver light. 



Venus this charming green alone prefers, 



And this of all the verdant kind is hers: 



Hence the bride's brow with Myrtle wreath is graced, 



Hence in Elysian Fields are myrtles said 



