GERARD'S HERBAL 99 



much about being instructed. What we like is to read about 

 daffodils and violets and gilliflowers and rosemary and thyme 

 and all the other delicious old-fashioned English flowers. And 

 when we can read about them in the matchless Elizabethan 

 English we ask nothing more. Who that has read it once can 

 forget those words in the preface ? 



" What greater delight is there than to behold the earth 

 apparelled with plants as with a robe of embroidered works, 

 set with Orient pearls and garnished with great diversitie of rare 

 and costly jewels? But these delights are in the outward 

 senses. The principal delight is in the minde, singularly enriched 

 with the knowledge of these visible things, setting forth to us 

 the invisible wisdome and admirable workmanship of almighty 

 God." 



And could any modern writer give with such simplicity and 

 charm the " atmosphere " of the violet ? 



" Addressing myself unto the violets called the blacke 

 or purple violets or March violete of the Garden, which have a 

 great prerogative above others, not only because the minde 

 conceiveth a certaine pleasure and recreation by smelling and 

 handling of these most odoriferous flowers, but also that very 

 many by these violets receive ornament and comely Grace : 

 for there be made of them garlands for the head, nosegaies and 

 posies, which are delightful to look on and pleasant to smell, 

 speaking nothing of the appropriate vertues; yea Gardens 

 themselves receive by these the greatest ornament of all, chiefest 

 beautie and most gallant grace ; and the recreation of the Minde 

 which is taken heereby, cannot bee but verie good and honest ; 

 for flowers through their beautie, varietie of colour and exquisite 

 formes do bring to a liberall and gentlemanly minde the remem- 

 brance of honestie, comeliness and all kindes of vertues. For it 

 would be an unseemly thing, as a certain wise man saith, for 

 him that doth looke upon and handle faire and beautifull things, 



