THE POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
125 
Herrick adds his testimony :— 
There’s not a budding boy or girle, this day, 
But is got up, and gone to bring in May. 
A deale of youth, ere this, is come 
Back, and with white thorn laden home. 
Next comes Goldsmith, who speaks of the fitness of 
the shrub for the purposes of courtship :— 
The Hawthorn bush, with seats beneath the shade, 
For talking age and whispering lovers made ! 
Nor is Burns forgetful of this peculiarity:— 
If Heaven a draught of heavenly pleasure spare, 
One cordial in this melancholy vale, 
’Tis when a youthful, loving, modest pair, 
In other’s arms breathe out the tender tale, 
Beneath the milk-white thorn that scents the evening 
gale. 
Shakspeare also apostrophizes the Hawthorn :— 
Gives not the Hawthorn bush a sweeter shade 
To shepherds looking on their silly sheep, 
Than doth a rich embroidered canopy . 
To kings, that fear their subjects’ treachery ? 
And Milton adds:— 
And every shepherd tells his tale 
Under the Hawthorn in the dale. 
While Kirke White speaks of:— 
The mossy seat beneath the Hawthorn’s shade, 
and inviting “contemplation” to accompany him, 
says:— 
