INTRODUCTION. 
5 
It was the custom there to bring away 
The bride from home at blushing shut of day, 
Veiled in a chariot, heralded along 
By strewn flowers, torches, and a marriage song. 
KEATS. 
And at their banquets and festivals they 
crowned themselves with 
Garlands of every green, and every scent, 
From vales deflowered or forest-trees branch-rent, 
In baskets of bright osiered gold were brought, 
High as the handles heaped, to suit the thought 
Of every guest, that each as he did please 
Might fancy-fit his brows, silk-pillowed at his ease. 
KEATS. 
If we pass to Italy, we shall find lilies, 
and violets, the narcissus, and flowers of the 
sweet smelling anise; with cassia, and other 
fragrant herbs, the soft hyacinth, and the 
saffron marigold. And in Spain we may 
rest awhile in the bower, 
O’er which the white-leaved orange flower 
Breathes its ambrosial sweets. 
MELENDEZ. 
Now let us away to the distant lands of 
Asia, where we shall not find the glorious 
