THE LANGUAGE AND 
themselves with wreaths of flowers; and 
on days of great solemnity, placed bou¬ 
quets upon their tables. Keats thus 
rehearses the custom :—■ 
Garlands of every green, and every scent, 
From vales defloured, or forest trees branch-rent, 
In baskets of bright osiered gold were brought, 
High as the handles heaped, to suit the thought 
| , Of every guest, that each as he did please 
^ i Might fancy fit his brows, silk-pillowed at his ease. 
O 
At their Bridal Festivals 
It was the custom there to bring away 
The bride from home at blushing shut of day, 
Veiled in a chariot, heralded along 
By strewn flowers, torches, and a marriage song. 
In modern times, flowers are introduced 
on festive occasions, in various places. 
On saints’ days, in Roman Catholic 
countries, “ processions are formed which 
i pass under arches bung with boughs, 
Ioccasionally pausing before altars covered 
