THE SOCIAL SIDE OF GARDENS 
fines of the earl’s grounds, the cavalcade was met by a 
train of sylvan spirits at whose head danced a shepherd, 
singing a madrigal that vaunted Elizabeth under the 
title of Diana, while the nymphs and dryads scattered 
fresh flowers in her path. As the procession moved on, 
fairy flutes blew from the woods on either side the 
path, and finally Pan appeared with attendants in fan¬ 
tastic costumes to represent animals and mythological 
creatures, and offered to the royal guest the freedom of 
his green domain. Later, amid the roses and mazes of 
the garden an al fresco meal was served by beautiful 
boys dressed as Greeks and wearing garlands. Where¬ 
upon, it is related, a mischievous and fantastic spirit 
took possession of queen and courtiers and ladies-in- 
waiting. Elizabeth, “who loved a romp,” gave free 
rein to her fancy. There was a dance on the lawn that 
savored of village merry-making, and not a grotto nor 
a bower but hid a pair of lovers. 
In France during the period spanned by the reigns of 
Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI the garden as a 
background for court life touched its apogee. Exquisite 
fetes were given toward whose perfection the king him¬ 
self, as well as the foremost artists of the court were 
eager to contribute. Designed on a magnificent scale, 
the gardens in and near Paris, as well as others sur¬ 
rounding the country chateaux of the haute noblesse , lent 
themselves to the stately ceremony and almost incredible 
luxury of the times. Even the so-called simplicity of 
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