acris, but the name is applied very loosely to almost any small double
globular flowers. In Shakespeare's time it was probably applied still
more loosely to any flowers in bud (according to the derivation from the
French _bouton_). Button is frequently so applied by the old writers--

"The more desire had I to goo
Unto the roser where that grewe
The freshe Bothum so bright of hewe.

* * * * *

But o thing lyked me right welle;
I was so nygh, I myght fele
Of the Bothom the swote odour
And also see the fresshe colour;
And that right gretly liked me."

_Romaunt of the Rose._

And by Shakespeare--

The canker galls the infants of the Spring
Too oft before their Buttons be disclosed.

_Hamlet_, act i, sc. 3 (54).

FOOTNOTES:

[27:1] Mr. J. Fitchett Marsh, of Hardwicke House, Chepstow, in "The
Garden." I have to thank Mr. Marsh for much information kindly given
both in "The Garden" and by letter.

BALM, BALSAM, OR BALSAMUM.

(1) _K. Richard._

Not all the water in the rough rude sea
Can wash the Balm from an anointed king.

_Richard II_, act iii, sc. 2 (54).

(2) _K. Richard._

With mine own tears I wash away my Balm.

_Ibid._, act iv, sc. 1 (207).

(3) _K. Henry._

'Tis not the Balm, the sceptre, and the ball.

_Henry V_, act iv, sc. 1 (277).

(4) _K. Henry._

Thy place is fill'd, thy sceptre wrung from thee,
Thy Balm wash'd off, wherewith thou wast anointed.

_3rd Henry VI_, act iii, sc. 1 (16).

(5) _K. Henry._

My pity hath been Balm to heal their wounds.

_Ibid._, act iv, sc. 8 (41).

(6) _Lady Anne._

I pour the helpless Balm of my poor eyes.

_Richard III_, act i, sc. 2 (13).

(7) _Troilus._

But, saying thus, instead of oil and Balm,
Thou lay'st in every gash that love hath given me
The knife that made it.

_Troilus and Cressida_, act i, sc. 1 (61).

(8) _1st Senator._

We sent to thee, to give thy rages Balm.

_Timon of Athens_, act v