Hot lavender, mints, savory, marjoram. The Winter's Tale, IV, 4
Many herbs and flowers have been featured in Shakespeare's writings. He wrote about them lovingly using expressions that were not only poetical but also described what was observed on a daily basis. Flowers and herbs were also something his audience also could observe and understand and Shakespeare used many common roadside flowers for this reason.
The list of herbs and flowers used in his writing is long: Balm, Chamomile, Fennel, Garlic, Hyssop, Lavender, Rosemary, Parsley, Rue, Saffron, Thyme, Wormwood. Flowers include: Aconitum, Bachelor's Buttons, Carnation, Eglantine, Flags, Lily, Mallow, Oxslip, Poppy, Rose, Vetches and Yew. Then there is a long list of trees as well including: Apple, Cedar, Cherry, Hawthorn, Holly, Mulberry, Oak, Pear, Plum Quince and Thorn.
There's Rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray, love, remember. . . Hamlet, IV, 5
In Portland's Rose Garden we have a section for Shakespeare with many of these flowering herbs sit in amongst the garden.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I've read Shakespeare, so this is nice to know. Thanks for the list!
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