Figs. 277 and 278.—From Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism (Inman, C. W.).
Fig. 279.—Bas Relievo on the Portal of the Temple of Montmorillon in France. From Antiquities of Cornwall (Borlase).
It is evident that Vere is here the equivalent of Proserpine, the Maid who was condemned to spend one-half her time in Hades, and that “Verray” was occasionally noxious is implied by the old sense attributed to this word of nightmare, e.g., Chaucer:—
Lord Jesus Christ and Seynte Benedykte
Bless this house from every wikked wight
Fro nyghte’s verray, etc.
Some authorities connoted this word verray with Werra, a Sclavonic deity, and the connection is probably well founded: the Cornish Furry dance was also termed the Flora dance.