FLORAL CEREMONIES. 125 
Then search not where the curious rose 
Beyond his season loitering grows ; 
But beneath the mantling vine, 
While I quaff the flowing wine, 
The myrtle’s wreath shall crown our brows. 
While you shall wait and I carouse.” 
Translated by Francis. 
The allusion to Persia in this ode,” says 
Phillips, “confirms our idea, that the taste for 
flowers came to Rome from the East; garlands 
were suspended at the gates, or in the temples, 
where feasts or solemn rejoicings were held, 
and at all places where public joy and gaiety 
were desired thus, in the play of “ All for 
Love,” Serapim says— 
“ Set before your doors 
The images of all your sleeping fathers. 
With laurels crowned; with laurels wreathe your posts, 
And strew with flowers the pavement; let the priest 
Do present sacrifice; pour out the wine. 
And call the gods to join with you in gladness.” 
Dryden. 
And again, in the Distrest Mother,” we find 
an allusion to the floral decorations which it was 
customary to place in the hands of victims in 
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