CHERRY.

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(1) Helena. So we grew together,
Like to a double Cherry, seeming parted,
But yet a union in partition;
Two lovely berries moulded on one stem.
Midsummer Night's Dream, act iii, sc. 2 (208).
(2) Demetrius. O, how ripe in show
Thy lips, those kissing Cherries, tempting grow!
Ibid., act iii, sc. 2 (139).
(3) Constance. And it' grandam will
Give it a Plum, a Cherry, and a Fig.
King John, act ii, sc. 1 (161).
(4) Lady. 'Tis as like you
As Cherry is to Cherry.
Henry VIII, act v, sc. 1 (170).
(5) Gower. She with her neeld composes
Nature's own shape of bud, bird, branch, or berry;
That even her art sisters the natural Roses,
Her inkle, silk, twin with the rubied Cherry.
Pericles, act v, chorus (5).
(6) Dromio of Syracuse. Some devils ask but the paring of one's nail,
A Rush, a hair, a drop of blood, a pin,
A Nut, a Cherry-stone.
Comedy of Errors, act iv, sc. 3 (72).
(7) Queen. Oh, when
The twyning Cherries shall their sweetness fall
Upon thy tasteful lips.
Two Noble Kinsmen, act i, sc. 1 (198).
(8) When he was by, the birds such pleasure took,
That some would sing, some other in their bills
Would bring him Mulberries and ripe-red Cherries.
He fed them with his sight, they him with berries.
Venus and Adonis (1101).

Besides these, there is mention of "cherry lips"[54:1] and "cherry-nose,"[54:2] and the game of "cherry-pit."[54:3] We have the authority of Pliny that the Cherry (Prunus Cerasus) was introduced into Italy from Pontus, and by the Romans was introduced into Britain. It is not, then, a true native, but it has now become completely naturalized in our woods and hedgerows, while the cultivated trees are everywhere favourites for the beauty of their flowers, and their rich and handsome fruit. In Shakespeare's time there were almost as many, and probably as good varieties, as there are now.


FOOTNOTES:

[54:1] Midsummer Night's Dream, act v, sc. 1; Richard III, act i, sc. 1; Two Noble Kinsmen, act iv, sc. 1.

[54:2] Midsummer Night's Dream, act v, sc. 1.

[54:3] Twelfth Night, act iii, sc. 4.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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