They were afterwards
to be supplanted by holly, rosemary, and other evergreens; which on
some graves had grown to great luxuriance, and overshadowed the
tombstones.
There was formerly a melancholy fancifulness in the arrangement of
these rustic offerings, that had something in it truly poetical. The
rose was sometimes blended with the lily, to form a general emblem
of frail mortality. "This sweet flower," said Evelyn, "borne on a
branch set with thorns, and accompanied with the lily, are natural
hieroglyphics of our fugitive, umbratile, anxious, and transitory
life, which, making so fair a show for a time, is not yet without
its thorns and crosses." The nature and color of the flowers, and of
the ribbons with which they were tied, had often a particular
reference to the qualities or story of the deceased, or were
expressive of the feelings of the mourner. In an old poem, entitled
"Corydon's Doleful Knell," a lover specifies the decorations he
intends to use:
A garland shall be framed
By art and nature's skill,
Of sundry-colored flowers,
In token of good-will.
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