00 FLORAL CEREMONIES. 
modern times, though to us the period of 
which he writes may be spoken of as “ long, 
long ago.” In a similar strain sings Dray- 
ton, who gives a picturesque description of 
the Marriage of the Thames and Isis. 
Another of the Company of Singers of the 
Elizabethan era, makes this playful allusion 
in his Epithalamium : — 
“ How busie maydens, strew sweet flowres, 
Much like our bride in virgin state, — 
Now fresh, then prest, soone dying ; 
The death is sweet, and must be yours, 
Time goes on crutches till that date, 
Birds fledged must needs be flying.” 
Christopher Brooke. 
Then again, in the play of “ the Two Noble 
Kinsmen,” we find a very sweet bridal-song, 
beginning thus : — 
“ Roses, their sharp spines being gone, 
Not royal in their smells alone, 
But in their hue j 
Maiden-pinks, of odours taint, 
Daises, smell-less, yet most quaint, 
And sweet rhyme true. 
