The following charming lines refer to the ceremony, and are translated from the German poet, and given in Chambers's "Book of Days," so we may infer that the same superstition prevails in that country:- "The young maid stole through the cottage door, And blushed as she sought the plant of power: 'Thou silver glow-worm, oh, lend me thy light, I must gather the mystic St. John's wort to-night- The wonderful herb, whose leaf will decide If the coming year shall make me a bride.
"England in the Days of Old"
William Andrews
The thought that he had robbed some flower or herb-gatherer of a portion of the result of her morning's work had entered his mind and, obeying a hasty impulse, he flung a glittering zecchin into the basket.
"In The Fire Of The Forge, Volume 5."
Georg Ebers
It's jes' the same with a tiger, and he's got a nose for a partickler herb which he rubs his head into.
"Tales from the Veld"
Ernest Glanville