BITTER-SWEET NIGHTSHADE. 



BITTER-SWEET NIGHTSHADE {Solanum Dulcamara). 



Truth. 



Truth has been justly regarded as the mother of Virtue, 

 the daughter of Time, — since time only in many cases brings 

 truth to light, — and queen of the world, because in the end it 

 must have full sway. The facts revealed when the truth is 

 known may produce mental pain, and bitterness of heart, 

 but these are accompanied by the gratification which it gives, 

 and the relief from doubt and anxiety it affords. Such are 

 the effects of the leaves of Bitter-Sweet Nightshade on the 

 palate, when they are chewed ; first a keen sensation of bitter- 

 ness, followed immediately by sweetness. Beaumont and 

 Fletcher characterise truth very appropriately : — 



" Truth, though it trouble some minds, 

 Some wicked minds, that are both dark and dangerous, 

 Preserves itself: comes off pure, innocent ! 

 And Hke the sun, though never so ecHpsed, 

 Must break in glory ! " 



The plant is described as a deciduous twiner ; but alleged to 

 renew its foliage twice yearly, as do our evergreens ; it 

 delights in dark and shady places, and thus resembles truth 

 in her supposed characteristic of being pleased to abide at the 

 bottom of wells. 



BLACK BRYONY [Tamus communis). — Be MY SUPPORT. 



This twining plant is common throughout Europe, bear- 

 ing yellowish green flowers, and oblong fleshy berries, of a 

 shining orange red. It is supposed to be the Uva Taminia of 



27 



