CL O VE R; 
OR, 
SHAMROCK. 
(I promise.) 
J3 
HE white Clover , or Shamrock, is the national 
emblem of Ireland, and claims an equal place in 
history with England’s rose or Scotland’s thistle. 
This symbol of their country is worn by Irishmen on the 
anniversary and in commemoration of St. Patrick’s landing 
near Wicklow, in the beginning of the fourth century of 
the Christian era. The patron saint is reported to have 
explained to his disciples the mysteries of the Trinity by 
means of a clover-leaf, or trefoil. 
“ Brave sons of Hibernia, your shamrocks display, 
For ever made sacred on St. Patrick’s day ; 
’Tis a type of religion, the badge of our saint, 
And a plant of that soil which no venom can taint. 
“ Both Venus and Mars to that land lay a claim, 
Their title is owned and recorded by fame ; 
But St. Patrick to friendship has hallowed the ground, 
And made hospitality ever abound. 
“ Then with shamrocks and myrtles let’s garnish the bowl, 
In converse convivial and sweet flow of soul; 
To our saint make oblations of generous wine— 
What saint could have more?—sure, ’tis worship divine ! 
