The fields about this city faire
Were all with roses set;
Gillyflowers, and carnations faire,
Which canker could not fret.
RITSON'S Ancient Songs, p. 288.
The description, given in the legend of Sir Owain, of the terrestrial paradise, at which the blessed arrive, after passing through purgatory, omits gillyflowers, though it mentions many others. As the passage is curious, and the legend has never been published, many persons may not be displeased to see it extracted—
Fair were her erbers with flowres,
Rose and lili divers colours,
Primrol and parvink;
Mint, feverfoy, and eglenterre