Page:The Romance of Nature; or, The Flower-Seasons Illustrated.djvu/361

227 Yew's sombre, darksome branches seem always to have been deemed emblematical of death and mourning. Herrick thus plaintively addresses the Yew and Cypresse.

With far gladder feelings and memories do we meet the Holly's glossy and shining leaves; they tell us of Christmas merry-makings and kindly greetings; and though too many of the gleesome old customs have passed away, yet Christmas is still a festive season. The Laurel, too, is both an Autumn friend and a Christmas guest. We will quote Herrick again; he wished a Laurel-tree to grow upon his grave.

A funerale stone

Or verse, I covet none;

But only crave

Of you that I may have

A sacred laurel springing from my grave;