VERVAIN. 
193 
banks of the Nile, the mistletoe will always flourish upon 
the oak, and the vervain upon the barren knolls. 
Vervain was used by the ancients for divers kinds of 
divinations; they attributed to it a thousand properties •, 
among others, that of reconciling enemies; and when the 
Roman heralds at arms were despatched with a message 
of peace or war to other nations, they wore a wreath of 
vervain. 
The Druids held this plant in great veneration, and, 
before gathering it, they made a sacrifice to the earth. 
Probably they used it for food. 
We are told that the worshippers of the sun, in per¬ 
forming their services, held branches of vervain in their 
hands. Venus Victorious wore a crown of myrtle inter¬ 
woven with vervain, and the Germans to this day give a 
hat of vervain to the new married bride, as putting her 
under the protection of that goddess. Pliny also tells us 
that it was made use of by the Druids in casting lots, in 
drawing omens, and in other magical arts. 
She night-shade strows to work him ill, 
Therewith the vervain and her dill, 
That hindereth witches of their will. 
DRAYTON. 
A wreath of vervain heralds wear, 
Amongst our garlands named, 
Being sent that dreadful news to bear, 
Offensive war proclaim’d. 
DRAYTON. 
