236 LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS. 
IVY. 
FIUENDSHIP. 
Fhiexdship has sometimes chosen for its device 
a fallen tree firmly embraced by the verdant arms of 
the Ivy, with this motto : " Nothing can part us." . 
In Greece the altar of Hymen was encircled with 
Ivy, and a branch of it presented to the new-married 
couple, as a symbol of the indissoluble knot. It 
was sacred to Bacchus, who is represented crowned 
with Ivy-leaves, as well as those of the vine. It 
formed the crown of the Greek and Roman poets ; 
and, in modern times, woman's love, constancy, and 
dependence, have been expressed by it. 
Ingratitude has been sometimes represented by 
the Ivy strangling its supporting benefactor. This 
calumny has been repelled by the author of the 
" Studies of Nature," who regards it as the model of 
pure friendship. u Nothing," says he, " can separate 
it from the tree which it has once embraced: it 
clothes it with its own leaves in that inclement 
