CHAP. CXI1.

TAXA CKJE. TA XUS.

2083

This foul reproach Ascanius could not bearWith patience, or a vow’d revenge forbear :

At the lull stretch of both his hands, he drew,And almost join’d, the horns of the tough yew.”

In the Georgies, the yew is frequently mentioned ; and those who keep beesare cautioned not to place their hives near yew trees.

Among the old English poets, the yew is frequently mentioned; and, asan example, we may copy the following lines from Herrick, as quoted by oneof the most elegant poetesses of the present day, Miss Twamley. Herrickthus addresses the cypress and the yew : —

“ Both of you haveRelation to the grave ;

And where

The fun’rale trump sounds you are ihere.

I shall be madeEre long a fleeting shade;

Pray come,

And do some honor to my tomb.

Do not denyMy last request, for I

Will be

Thankful to you, or friends for me.” (See Romance of Nature, Ac.)

Shakspeare mentions the yew as being used for bow? :—

“ The very beadsmen learn to bend their bowsOf double fatal yew against thy state.”

He also alludes to its being employed in funerals: —■ “ My shroud ofwhite, stuck all with yew.” Many other poets allude to its connexion withideas of death. Blair says, addressing himself to the grave : —

“ Well do I know thee by thy trusty yew;

Cheerless unsocial plant, that loves to dwell’Midst skulls and coffins, epitaphs and wormS;

Where light-heeled ghosts, and visionary shades,

Beneath the wan cold moon (so fame reports),

Embodied thick, perform their mystic rounds :

No other merriment, dull tree, is thine.”

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