76 ROSES. 



Amou^ the rival flovver.s will grow 1 

 Tlie vik'<t thistle that infests tlie plain, 



Will think his tawdry painted pride 



Deserves the crown, and, if denied. 

 Perhaps with traitor plots molest your reign." 



" Vain are yonr fears," Flora replied; 



" 'Tis fix'd, and hear how I'll the cause decide* 



" Deep in a venerable wood, 



Where oak.s, with vocal skill indued, 

 Did wond'rous oracles of old impait, 

 Beneath a little hill's inclining side, 



A grotto 's seen, where Nature's art 

 Is exercised in all her smiling pride, 



" Retired in this sweet grassy cell, 



A lovely wood-nymph once did dwell: 

 She always pleased; for more than mortal fire 

 Shone in her eyes, and did her charms inspire, 

 A dryad bore the illustrious nymph, a sylvan was her sire. 



*' Chaste, wise, devout, she still obey'd, 

 W^ith humble zeal, Heaven's dread commands, 



To ev'ry a'-tiori ask'd our aid. 



And oft before our altars pray'd. 

 Pure was her heart, aud undefiied ber hands. 



" She 's dead, and from her sweet remains 



The wond"rous mixture I would take, 

 This much desired, this perfect flower to make; 



Assist, and thus, with our transforming pains, 

 We'll dignify the garden beds, and grace our fav 'rite plains." 



Th' applauding deities with pleasure heard, 



And for the grateful work prepared. 



A busy face Priapus wore; 



Vertumnus of the party too. 

 From various sweets th' exhaling spirits drew; 

 While in full canisters Pomona bore 



Of richest fruit a plenteous store ; 

 And Vesta promised wond'rous things to do. 



Gay Venus led a lively train 

 Of Smiles and Graces; "the plump god of wine 

 From clusters did the flowing nectar strain. 

 And fiU'd large goblets with his juice divine. 



