Ivy.... Constancy.
Reading edition
In Greece the altar of Hymen was enwreathed with Ivy, and a branch of it was presented to the new-married couple, as a symbol of the indissoluble knot. It was sacred to Bacchus, who is represented crowned with Ivy leaves, as well as those of the vine. It formed the crown of the Greek and Roman poets; and, in modern times, has been made the poet’s frequent image of constancy. The Ivy is attached to the earth by its own roots, and derives no nourishment from the substances to which it clings. The protector of ruins, it adorns the dilapidated walls which it holds together; it will not accept every kind of support, but its attachment ends only with its life.
When all things have their trial, you shall find Nothing is constant but a virtuous mind. Shirley.
The mountain rill Seeks with no surer flow the far, bright sea, Than my unchanged affections flow to thee. Park Benjamin.
I am constant as the northern star; Of whose true, fixed, and resting quality There is no fellow in the firmament. Shakspeare.
Make my breast Transparent as pure crystal, that the world, Jealous of me, may see the foulest thought My heart does hold. Where shall a woman turn Her eyes to find out constancy? Buckingham.
No, never from this hour to part, We’ll live and love so true, The sigh that rends thy constant heart, Shall break thy Edwin’s too. Goldsmith.
The Ivy round some lofty pile Its twining tendril flings; Though fled from thence be pleasure’s smile, It yet the fonder clings; As lonelier still becomes the place, The warmer is its fond embrace, More firm its verdant rings; As if it loved its shade to rear O’er one devoted to despair. Thus shall my bosom cling to thine, Unchanged by gliding years; Through Fortune’s rise, or her decline, In sunshine, or in tears; And though between us oceans roll, And rocks divide us, still my soul Shall feel no jealous fears: Confiding in a heart like thine, Love’s uncontaminated shrine. Mrs. Hale.