The Content
I: Rosemary / 1
The first of the sweet flowers folded into the pages of this bouquet is the Rosemary of remembrance.
The perfume of memories past passes through her petals.
II: Lily / 5
The second sundry flower found is the lovely Lily.
Her incense is the emblem of everlasting innocence.
III: Carnation / 12
Thirdly, the captivating Carnation unfurls herself as the flower of fertility.
Consorting with Carnation, one revels in rebirth and reincarnation.
IV: Red Rose / 15
Fourthly, the irresistible Red Rose represents the sensuous scents of love and beauty.
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V: Thistle / 23
Fiftly, the thorny Thistle’s pricks on the plains of exploitation and temptation.
Greed and wealth find home in Thistle’s prickles.
VI: Fennel / 27
Sixth, Flattering Fennel finds herself unfurling flirtatiously in honeyed words.
VII: Columbine / 36
Also folded among these pages, the stench of the cavorting Columbine reeks of evil and adultery.
Her perfume hides under the shades of darkness, buried deep in forests.
IIX: Violet / 41
The perfume of the vivacious Violet smells of friendship and faithfulness.
This cordial flower is the essence of kindliness.
IX: Rue / 47
The remorseful Rue represents suffering and transgression.
The aroma of rue releases the scent of repentance and repression.
X: Mints / 55
Menthol and mint are the fragrance of hope.
This herb’s scent brings good health and fortune to all who breathe in its redolence.
Notes on the Texts / 61
Biographies on the Contributors / 66
Index / 71