PLANT-LORE OF SHAKESPEARE 
M3 
Xarfs’s Ibeels. 
Larks heels trim. — Tzvo Noble Kinsmen , Introd. Song. 
Lark’s heels is one of the many names of the Garden Del¬ 
phinium, otherwise called Larkspur, Larksclaw, Larkstoes. 
SLauret. 
(1) To whom the heavens in thy nativity 
Adjudged an Olive branch and Laurel crown 
As likely to be blest in peace and war. 
3 rd Henry VI, iv. 6, 33. 
(2) Cometh Andronicus bound with Laurel boughs. 
Titus Andronicus , i. 1, 74 - 
(3) Upon your sword 
Sit Laurel victory.— Antony and Cleopatra , i. 3, 99. 
(4) Prerogative of age, crowns, sceptres, Laurels. 
Troilus and Cressida, i. 3, 107. 
This is one of the plants which Shakespeare borrowed from 
the classical writers; it is not the Laurel of our day, which was 
not introduced into England till after his death, 1 but the Laurea 
Apollinis, the Laurea Delphica— 
“The Laurel meed of mightie conquerors 
And poet’s sage,”— Spenser; 
that is, the Bay. This is the tree mentioned by Gower— 
“This Daphne into a Lorer tre 
Was turned, whiche is ever grene, 
In token, as yet it may be sene, 
That she shalle dwelle a maiden stille.” 
Conf. Aman . lib. terc. 
1 The first Laurel grown in Europe was grown by Ciusius in 1576. 
