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into those languishing and touching complaints 
which are laid to his charge. Thus the Persians 
believe that the nightingale in spring flutters 
around the Rose-bushes, uttering incessant 
complaints, till, overpowered by the strong 
scent, he drops stupified on the ground. 
Among the ancients it was customary to 
crown new-married persons with a chaplet of 
Red and White Roses; and, in the processions 
of the Corybantes, the goddess Cybele, the 
protectress of cities, was pelted with White 
Roses. The pelting with Roses is still common 
in Persia, being practised during the whole 
time that these flowers are in blossom. A com- 
pany of young men repair to the places of public 
entertainment to amuse the guests with music, 
singing, and dancing ; and in their way through 
the streets, they pelt the passengers whom they 
meet with Roses, and receive a little gratuity 
in return. 
In the middle ages, the queen of flowers 
contributed to a singular popular festival at 
Treviso, in Italy. In the middle of the city, 
the inhabitants erected a castle, the walls of 
which were formed of curtains, carpets, and 








