228 THE SHAKESPEARE GARDEN 



Libanotis, but with this difference, Stephanomatica, 

 that is Coronaria, because there were other plants 

 called Libanotis, that were for other uses, as this for 

 garlands, where flowers and sweet herbs were put 

 together. The Latins called it Rosmarinum. Some 

 would make it to be Cueorum nigrum of Theophras- 

 tus, as they would make Lavender to be his Cueorum 

 album, but Matthiolus hath sufficiently confuted 

 that error. 



"Rosemary is almost of as great use as Bays or 

 any other herb, both for inward and outward 

 remedies and as well for civil as physical purposes. 

 Inwardly for the head and heart ; outwardly for the 

 sinews and joints. For civil uses, as all do know, 

 at weddings, funerals, etc., to bestow among friends; 

 and the physical are so many that you might be as 

 well tired in the reading as I in the writing, if I 

 should set down all that might be said of it." 



RUE (Ruta graveolus). Rue was a much valued 

 plant in Shakespeare's time. There were many 

 superstitions about it which seem to have been sur- 

 vivals from ancient days, for rue is supposed to have 

 been the moly which Homer says Mercury gave to 

 Ulysses to withstand the enchantments of Circe. 

 Miraculous powers were attributed to rue: it was 

 said to quicken the sight, to stir up the spirits, to 



