Emblematic G arlands> 
“They tell in a garland their loves and cares. 3 ’ 
E MBLEMATIC GARLANDS hold such an important 
position in floral symbolism that, despite the many 
allusions to them in various portions of this work, it was 
deemed undesirable to leave them without tie onour o a 
distinct chapter. , . ,, 
What a prominent part wreaths and garlands played m the 
social histories of Greece, Rome, and the middle ages o 
Europe has already been depicted in former pages ; it there¬ 
fore only remains to turn to our poets, and hear what sweet 
things they have to say upon the subject. Our o er arcs 
were frequently accustomed to make their heiocs 
Gather a wreath from the garden bowers, 
And tell the wish of their hearts in flowers; 
and none have left more noteworthy examples than William 
Browne and Michael Drayton, the latter of whom, in his 
“ Muses’ Elysium,” thus heralds the way: 
“ The garland long ago was worn 
As Time pleased to bestow it: 
The laurel only to adorn 
The conqueror and the poet. 
Being sent the dreadful news to bear. 
Offensive war proclaim’d. 
The sign oi peace who first displays 
The olive wreath possesses; 
“ The palm his due who, uncontroll’d, 
On danger looking gravely, 
The lover with the myrtle sprays 
Adorns his crispCd tresses. 
When Fate had done the worst it could, 
Who bore his fortune bravely. 
In love, the sad forsaken wight, 
1 1UVC, LliV- j o 
The willow garland weareth ; 
“ Most worthy of the oaken wreath 
The ancients him esteemed 
The funeral wight, befitting night. 
The baleful cypress beareth. 
Who in a battle had from death 
Some man of worth redeemed. 
“ To Pan we dedicate the pine, 
Whose slips the shepherd graceth; 
“ A wreath of vervain heralds wear. 
Among our garlands named. 
Again, the ivy and the vine 
On the swoll’n Bacchus placeth. 
