AND FLOWERS OF FOETRY. 
31 
ASYLUM — PROTECTION. 
t 
JUNIPER. 
The ancients consecrated this shrub to the Eumenides. The 
smoke of its green branches was the incense which, in preference, 
they chose to offer to the infernal gods; and burnt its berries 
on funeral occasions to drive away evil spirits. The simple 
villagers of England superstitiously believe that the perfume of 
its berries purifies the air and protects them from the malevo¬ 
lence of wicked genii. 
Its thick branches bristling with thorns are covered with 
thousands of brilliant insects, which seem to imagine, this tree 
is provided as a protection for their weakness. 
It is said that the powerful odour emitted by the juniper de¬ 
feats the keen scent of the hound. It thus affords a safe retreat 
to the hunted hare, which, in the last extremity conceals itself 
beneath its protecting branches. 
Ah no ! never deem her less worthy of love, 
That once she has trusted and trusted in vain, 
Would you turn from the timid and innocent dove, 
If it flew to your breast from a savage’s chain. 
She too is a dove in her guileless affection, 
A child in confiding and worshipping truth, 
Half broken in heart she has flown for protection 
To you! —Will you blight the sweet promise of youth? 
f. s. o. 
