Peepers

A pretty  little flower, the eyebright.

Our ancestors  noted the purple streaks and yellow blotches and  took them to indicate that the plant  could be a remedy for ocular ailments. *
It's still used by herbalists and homeopaths for eye problems.

You do need sharp eyes or a good lens to see these tiny blossoms in amongst the grasses on which they are semi-parasitic. What I can't fathom is why the French name for eyebright is 'casse-lunettes'  broken  glasses. Does it suggest that if you've broken your specs you can use eyebright instead? Or if you take eyebright you can throw them away? Suggestions welcome!


* Michael from Adams eyes the Filme remov'd
Which that false Fruit that promis'd clearer sight
Had bred; then purg'd with Euphrasie and Rue
The visual Nerve, for he had much to see;
And from the Well of Life three drops instill'd

John Milton, Paradise Lost