Clover. 
(I PROMISE.) 
T HE white Clover , or Shamrock, is the national emblem 
of Ireland, and claims an equal place in history with 
England’s rose, or Scotland’s thistle. This symbol of their 
loved Emerald Isle is worn by Irishmen on the anniversary and 
in commemoration of St. Patrick’s landing near Wicklow, in 
the beginning of the fourth century of the Christian era. The 
patron saint is reported to have explained to his disciples the 
mysteries of the Trinity by means of a clover-leaf, or trefoil. 
This emblem of promise has received innumerable tokens of 
their regard for its good qualities from the poets of ill-fated 
Hibernia, but patriotism, more than love or friendship, is the 
symbolism portrayed. Moore, in one of his melodies, couples 
the shamrock of Ireland with the olive of Spain; but most 
assuredly the association is only possible in song. The follow¬ 
ing rollicking, anonymous verses are thoroughly characteristic 
of the sons of Hibernia, and portray to some extent the love 
they bear, and the typical uses that they make of, the white 
clover: 
Brave sons of Hibernia, your shamrocks display, 
For ever made sacred on St. Patrick’s day; 
’T is a type of religion, the badge of our saint, 
And a plant of that soil which no venom can taint. 
“Both Venus and Mars to that land lay a claim, 
Their title is own’d and recorded by fame; 
But St. Patrick to friendship has hallowed the ground, 
And made hospitality ever abound. 
“Then with shamrocks and myrtles let’s garnish the bow). 
In converse convivial and sweet flow of soul, 
To our saint make oblations of generous wine— 
What saint could have more?—sure’t is worship divine ! 
“Tho’ jovial and festive in seeming excess, 
We ’ve hearts sympathetic of others’ distress. 
May our shamrocks continue to flourish, and prove 
An emblem of charity, friendship, and love. 
