ROSE. 
95 
they suspended a rose over the table at feasts, intimat¬ 
ing to the assembled guests that the conversation was 
to be held sacred, and was not to be repeated elsewhere. 
This latter account is generally given as the correct 
derivation of the saying, “sub rosa,” applied to com¬ 
munications not to be repeated; but some writers say 
that the rose was once dedicated to Harpocrates, and 
thus became the emblem of taciturnity, for which 
reason, it is averred, it is frequently placed over the 
confessionals in Roman Catholic churches, indicating 
the secresy winch should attend whatever may be there 
disclosed to the ears of the priest. 
Roses were more highly prized by the Romans than 
any other flower ; they considered them emblematic of 
joy, and, in conformity with that idea, represented 
Comus, the God of pleasure, as a handsome young 
man, crowned with a garland of roses, the leaves of 
which glistened with dewdrops. 
The Rose Avas, above all, the emblem of love : 
“ Most glorious rose, 
You are the queenly belle. On you all eyes 
Admiring turn. Doubtless you might indite 
Romances from your own sweet history— 
They’re quite the fashion now, and crowd the page 
Of every periodical. Wilt tell 
None of your heart adventures ? Never mind ! 
We plainly read the Zephyr’s stolen kiss 
In your deep blush ; so where’s the use to seal 
Your lips so cunningly, when all the world 
Calls you the flower of love f ”— Mrs. Sigourney. 
Anacreon thus Avrites of it: 
“ The rose, the flower of love, 
Mingle with our quaffing ; 
