FLOUAL CEREMONIES. 
75 
yon happy -looking group of men and women, 
laden with bright-hued blossoms and verdant 
boughs, piping and singing so merrily as they 
cross the plain. Let us question him who 
sits watching his sheep by the stream that 
glides so glassily along the foot of the green 
hill, — 
“ From whence come all these shepherd swains 
And lovely nymphs attired in green V” 
Hark, he answers,— 
“ From gathering garlands on the plains 
To crown our fan-, the shepherds’ queen.” 
Nearer they come, yet nearer, and now the 
words of their song can be distinguished : — 
“ Bring hither the pinlce and purple columbine, 
With gillyflowers : 
Bring sweet carnations, and sops in wine, 
Won* of paramours, 
