Saffron (Maplet)

This is the entry for saffron from Maplet's A Greene Forest.

Of Saffron.

Saffron saith Isidore, was first named in Latin Crocus, of a certrain town in Cicilie called Coritium, whereas it is especially most abundan, although plentifull in many other places. Many things saith he tooke their name of the first place whereof they grew. It has his soveraignetie or best goodnesse, in that by whole winters long, it keepeth his greene colour, and leaseth it not, whatsoever cold nipping wether, or tempest can do to appall it. In summer it suffereth the leafe to wither, & in middle Autumne it taketh it freshly againe: and giveth then his fruit in a soft and tender heade.