<P> Shakespeare makes a more direct reference , probably to V. tricolor in A Midsummer Night 's Dream . Oberon sends Puck to gather `` a little western flower that maidens call love - in - idleness '' . Oberon 's account is that he diverted an arrow from Cupid 's bow aimed at `` a fair vestal , throned by the west '' ( supposedly Queen Elizabeth I ) to fall upon the plant `` before milk - white , now purple with love 's wound '' . The `` imperial vot'ress '' passes on `` fancy - free '' , destined never to fall in love . </P>
<P> Shakespeare makes a more direct reference , probably to V. tricolor in A Midsummer Night 's Dream . Oberon sends Puck to gather `` a little western flower that maidens call love - in - idleness '' . Oberon 's account is that he diverted an arrow from Cupid 's bow aimed at `` a fair vestal , throned by the west '' ( supposedly Queen Elizabeth I ) to fall upon the plant `` before milk - white , now purple with love 's wound '' . The `` imperial vot'ress '' passes on `` fancy - free '' , destined never to fall in love . </P>
what is the flower in a midsummer night 's dream
what is the flower in a midsummer night 's dream
V. tricolor
V. tricolor