IN PRAISE OF GARDENS t!T 



On a stem that grew more high, 

 And the Rose did there espy. 

 Who, beside her precious scent, 

 To procure his eyes content 

 Did display her goodly breast, 

 When he found at full exprest 

 All the good that Nature showers 

 On a thousand other flowers; 

 Wherewith he affected takes it, 

 His beloved flower he makes it, 

 And without desire of more 

 Walks through all he saw before. 



So I wandering but erewhere 

 Through the garden of this Isle, 

 Saw rich beauties I confess, 

 And in number numberless. 

 Yea, so differing lovely too, 

 That I had a world to do, 

 Ere I would set up my rest, 

 Where to choose and choose the best. 

 GEORGE WITHER. 



Flos Florum. 



[38] 



