ROSE. 
129 
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 secrecy which 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 
ioy, 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 was, 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 zvorld 
Calls you the flower of love ?” — Mrs. Sigourney. 
Anacreon thus writes of it: 
“ The rose, the flower of love, 
Mingle with our quaffing ; 
The rose, the lovely leaved. 
Round our brows be weaved, 
Genially laughing. 
“ Oh, the rose, the first of flowers, 
Darling of the early bowers, 
E’en the gods for thee have places; 
Thee, too, Cytherea’s boy 
Weaves about his locks for joy, 
Dancing with the Graces. 
The short life of this queenly flower causes it, when 
K 
