E P I S T L E

original: "Epistola"

...is added from these in almost all places: or what need is there to speak of that pleasure of the mind or recreation which is conceived from the sight, scent, or handling of flowers? Indeed, concerning the origin and the discoverers of flowers and herbs, many fabulous tales are found among the Poets and other authors, both Greek and Latin original: "tam Graecos, quàm Latinos", which would be long and exceedingly tedious to recount here. It is, however, very well known that gardens receive their greatest ornament, their greatest beauty, and their highest grace from these. For not from any topiary works or trellises term: "perticalibus" refers to pole-supported structures or lattices used for climbing plants, however artfully woven or adorned with colors, nor from shaded bowers or other garden works, does so much decoration come to them as from flowers and scented or garland-herbs term: "coronariis" refers to plants specifically grown to be woven into crowns or wreaths; without which, indeed, all garden works are destitute of ornament, grace, and pleasantness. Moreover, the pleasure and recreation of the mind derived from these can be nothing but most honorable. For they remind man of that which is beautiful and virtuous. Indeed, by their beauty, the elegance of their color, the excellence of their form, and the sweetness and fragrance of their scent, flowers suggest...