MINERVA S PRIZE. 39 



MINERVA S PRIZE. 



MINERVA, a visit to Flora once made, 

 When the flowers, in a body, their compliments 



paid, 

 And, charmed with their manners, and elegant 



dyes, 



Desired she might give to the fairest a prize 

 Appointing a day, when herself should preside, 

 And on their pretensions to beauty decide. 



Then the Rose bridled up, with a confident 



air, 



As if she would say, Who with me shall com 

 pare ? 



While the Lily, but newly come out as a bride, 

 Whisper d low to her sisters, and laugh d at 



such pride. 



The Hyacinth studied her wardrobe with care, 

 Still puzzled to settle what colors to wear ; 

 The Poppy, ashamed of her dull, sleepy eyes, 

 Wore a new scarlet dress, with a view to the 

 prize. 



