St lofin’js SKort. 181 
St. John’s Wo rt .... Superstition. 
This plant is an appropriate emblem of superstition; 
for it has always been regarded with reverence by the 
peasantry of Europe, on account of its real and sup¬ 
posed virtues. It was supposed to possess the power 
of defending persons from phantoms and spectres, and 
driving away all evil spirits. Its large, yellow flower 
grows close to the earth, and resembles a small wheel 
of fireworks. 
’Tis a history 
Handed from ages down; a nurse’s tale— 
Which children, open-eyed and mouthed, devour; 
And thus as garrulous ignorance relates, 
We learn it and believe. 
Southey. 
A fortune-telling host, 
As numerous as the stars could boast, 
Matrons, who toss the cup, and see 
The grounds of fate in grounds of tea. 
Churchill. 
Gipsies, who every ill can cure, 
Except the ill of being poor, 
Who charms ’gainst love and agues sell, 
Who can in hen-roost set a spell, 
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