74 
THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
Vervain was used by the ancients for divers kind of divina¬ 
tions ; they attributed to it a thousand properties; among oth¬ 
ers, that of reconciling enemies; and when the Roman heralds-at- 
arms were despatched with a message of peace or war to other 
nations, they wore a wreath of vervain. Drayton alludes to tms 
custom: — 
A wreath of vervain heralds wear, 
Among our garlands named, 
Being sent that dreadful news to bear, 
Offensive war proclaimed. 
The Druids held this plant in great veneration, and, before 
gathering it, they made a sacrifice to the earth. Probably they 
used it for food; and Dryden thus mentions it: — 
Some scattering potherbs here and there he found, 
Which, cultivated with his daily care, 
And bruised with vervain, were his daily fare. 
We are told that the worshippers of the sun, in performing 
their services, held branches of vervain in their hands. Venus 
Victorious wore a crown of myrtle interwoven with vervain, 
and the Germans to this day give a hat of vervain to the new- 
married bride, as putting her under the protection of that god¬ 
dess. Pliny also tells us that it was made use of by the Druids 
in casting lots, in drawing omens, and in other magical arts. 
Love is the subtlest enchanter, that ever 
Waved a wand or muttered a spell; 
A magical rod is each dart in his quiver, 
The heart’s hidden treasures to find and tell. 
f. s. o. 
