As Chaucer wrote,
‘For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery bryd comyth there to chese his make.’
So if you are in the mood to chase your ‘make’ or ‘mate’ here is a late 17th century love spell to speed you onto romantic success.
‘Take one draught of rose water that be well distilled and made with lunar water. Then add a goodly amount of leaves of heartsease known also as love-in-idleness or pansy to the rose liquor, also add therein one morning dewed spider’s web. Mix these diverse things well and place them in a glass vessel onto your chest where ye do keep lavender and linen. Let them there steep for seven nights. On the eighth night do sprinkle your underskirts and bodice with this potion and love will come knocking on your door before Saint Valentine’s day is done.’
You can also sprinkle this mixture onto a scarf or handkerchief and give it to your Valentine and they will be drawn to you as they are to this sweet rose scent.