Emblems of rarities: or Choyce observations out of worthy histories of many remarkable passages, and renowned actions of divers princes and severall nations With exquisite variety, and speciall collections of the natures of most sorts of creatures: delightfull and profitable to the minde. Collected by D.L.

Of Dame Flora.

THe Lady which the Poets call Dame Flora, was a no∣table and common harlot, who when shee had gotten great Ri∣ches by common ribaudry, made the people of Rome her heire, and left a certaine summe of money, with the yearely use, whereof the day of her Na∣tivity should bee celebrated in the setting forth of goodly playes, the which thing because it seemed detestable to attribute a certaine solemne dignity to a dishonest thing, they feigned and surmised her to bee a God∣desse, that had the rule and go∣vernment of Flowers, and that it was meete shee should be re∣conciled with Ceremonies, that through her helpe Fruites and

trees might florish and prosper.