Shakspeare and His Times [Vol. 1 of 2] / Including the Biography of the Poet; criticisms on his genius and writings; a new chronology of his plays; a disquisition on the on the object of his sonnets; and a history of the manners, customs, and amusements, superstitions, poetry, and elegant literature of his age

by Nathan Drake

That which you are, mistress o'the feast: Come on,

And bid us welcome to your sheep-shearing,

As your good flock shall prosper."[184:A]

It should be remarked that one material part of this welcome appears, from the context, to have consisted in the distribution of various flowers, suited to the ages of the respective visitors, a ceremony which was, probably, customary at this season of rejoicing.

"Perdita. Give me those flowers there, Dorcas.—Reverend sirs,

For you there's rosemary, and rue; these keep

Seeming, and savour, all the winter long:

Grace, and remembrance, be to you both,

And welcome to our shearing!———

——————————— Here's flowers for you;