128 THE BOOK OF HERBS 



Queen of the Meadow and Bridewort are two of this 

 flower's most appropriate names and a very pretty one is 

 that which Gerarde tells us the Dutch give it, Reinette. 

 The Herbalists do not say much about the " Little 

 Queen," but what they do say, is in the highest degree 

 complimentary. Gerarde decides : " The leaves and 

 flowers excel all other strong herbes for to deck up 

 houses, to strew in chambers, hall and banquetting 

 houses in the summer time ; for the smell thereof makes 

 the heart merrie, delighteth the senses, neither doth it 

 cause headache " as some other sweet smelling herbes do. 

 Parkinson, who says it "has a pretty, sharp sent and taste," 

 praises it for the same purpose and adds the interesting 

 bit of gossip that " Queen Elizabeth of famous memory, 

 did more desire it than any other sweet herbe to strew 

 her chambers withal. A leafe or two hereof layd in a 

 cup of wine, will give as quick and fine a rellish therto 

 as Burnet will," he finishes practically. Turner says 

 that women, in the spring-time, "put it into the potages 

 and mooses." I have known it used medicinally by 

 a Herbalist, and can strongly recommend it as an 

 ingredient for pdt pourri. The scent is so sweet and 

 clinging that it is surprising that meadow-sweet is not 

 oftener in request when dried and scented flowers are 

 wanted. The Icelander says that if taken on St John's 

 Day and thrown into water, it will help to reveal a thief, 

 for if the culprit be a man, it will sink, if a woman, it 

 will float. 



Rosemary {Rosmarinus officinalis). 



Here's Rosemary for you, that's for remembrance 



Hamlet, iv. 5. 

 Rosemary's for remembrance, 

 Between us day and night, 

 Wishing that I may always have 

 You present in my sight. 



C. Robinson. 



