In THE SEVEN VIRGINS (a.k.a. THE LEAVES OF LIFE) what are "the leaves of life"? Is it a metaphor for something? Do leaves have some symbolic importance? Here are the words:

1. All under the leaves and the leaves of life
I met with virgins seven,
And one of them was Mary mild,
Our Lord's best mother in heaven.

2. 'O what are you seeking, you seven pretty maids
All under the leaves of life?'
'We are seeking for no leaves, Thomas,
But for a friend of thine.'

3. 'Go down, go down into yonder town
And sit in the gallery,
And there'll you see sweet Jesus Christ
Nailed to a big yew tree.'

4. So down they went into yonder town
As fast as foot could fall,
And many a bitter and a grievous tear
From them virgins' eyes did fall.

5. 'O peace, mother! O peace, mother!
Your weeping does me grieve,
But I will suffer this,' he said,
'For Adam and for Eve.'

6. 'O how can I my weeping leave,
My sorrows undergo,
While I do see my own son die
And sons I have no more?'

7. He's laid his head on his right shoulder
And death has struck him nigh.
'The Holy Ghost be with your soul.
Sweet mother, now I die.'

8. O the rose, the gentle rose,
The fennel it grows so strong.
Amen, Good Lord, your charity
Is the ending of my song.