38 THE FABLES OF FLORA. 



Yet one, that oft adorned the place 

 Where now her gaudy rival reigned. 



Of simpler bloom, but kindred race. 

 The pensive Eglantine complained.- 



" Mistaken youth," with sighs she said, 

 " From nature and from me to stray! 



" The bard, by splendid forms betrayed, 

 '* No more shall frame the purer lay. 



" Luxuriant, like the flaunting Rose, 

 " And gay the brilliant strains may be. 



*' But far, in beauty, far from those, 

 " That flowed to nature and to me," 



The poet felt with fond surprise. 

 The truths the sylvan critic told; 



And " though this tourtly Rose," he cries, 

 " Is gay, is beauteous to behold; 



