ens").

The chief use of the Box now is for blocks for wood-carving, for which
its close grain makes it the most suitable of all woods.[39:2]

FOOTNOTES:

[39:1] In Boxford, and perhaps in some of the other names, the word has
no connection with the tree, but marks the presence of water or a
stream.

[39:2] In some parts of Europe almost a sacred character is given to the
Box. For a curious record of blessing the Box, and of a sermon on the
lessons taught by the Box, see "Gardener's Chronicle," April 19, 1873.

BRAMBLE, _see_ BLACKBERRIES.

BRIER.

(1) _Ariel._

So I charm'd their ears,
That calf-like they my lowing follow'd through
Tooth'd Briers, sharp Furzes, pricking Goss, and Thorns.

_Tempest_, act iv, sc. 1 (178).

(2) _Fairy._

Over hill, over dale,
Thorough Bush, thorough Brier.

_Midsummer Night's Dream_, act ii, sc. 1 (2).

(3) _Thisbe._

Of colour like the red Rose on triumphant Brier.

_Ibid._, act iii, sc. 1 (90).

(4) _Puck._

I'll lead you about a round,
Through bog, through bush, through Brake, through Brier.

_Midsummer Night's Dream_, act iii, sc. 1 (10).

(5) _Puck._

For Briers and Thorns at their apparel snatch.

_Ibid._, act iii, sc. 2 (29).

(6) _Hermia._

Never so weary, never so in woe,
Bedabbled with the dew and torn with Briers.

_Ibid._, act iii, sc. 2 (443).

(7) _Oberon._

Every elf and fairy sprite
Hop as light as bird from Brier.

_Ibid._, act v, sc. 1 (400).

(8) _Adriana._

If aught possess thee from me, it is dross,
Usurping Ivy, Brier, or idle Moss.

_Comedy of Errors_, act ii, sc. 2 (179).

(9) _Plantagenet._

From off this Brier pluck a white Rose with me.

_1st Henry IV_, act ii, sc. 4 (30).

(10) _Rosalind._

O! how full of Briers is this working-day world!

_As You Like It_, act i, sc. 3 (12).

(11) _Helena._

The time will bring on summer,
When Briers shall have leaves as well as Thorns,
And be as sweet as sharp.