in the aid of a friendly gardener. Among all changes the Maze has survived. A curious instance of its fame is to be found in the British Magazine, July 1749, where a Latin poem is devoted to its honour. This is probably a schoolboy's exercise, but it is worth quoting:[1]—
"Hamptoniæ quisquis regales viseret hortos
Hic labyrinthæos novet inesse dolos.
Quos simul ingreditur cœtus juvenilis in ipso
Introitu, in primo limine fallit iter.
Decepti pergunt errare, retexere, si qua
Ancipitem possint progrediendo viam.
Si regredi statuunt eadem est fortuna regressis
Implicitos idem devius error habet.
Compellunt alios alii, ridentque vicissim;
Sed prope quid prodest, et simul esse procul?
Nec captos tamen illudi cursu atque recursu
Tædet, nec toties est remeare labor.
Scilicet est omnis comites habuisse voluptas,
Falli cum sociis tam patienter amant.
Dulce genus lusus! idem gratissimus error
Decipit, et fessos decipiendo juvat."
A memorial of Queen Mary is still present in the exotic plants which survive from her collection. She took considerable interest in botany, employed a scientist of distinction, and grew many curious specimens. The Agave americana variegata may still be seen, which probably was placed in the greenhouse by the Queen; and the orange trees which are ranged
- ↑ British Magazine, July 1749, P. 299. Mr. Ernest Law's "Guide to the Palace" refers to the British Magazine for 1747, but this is a mistake.
