Historic Gardens of Virginia 



My Neighbor's Roses 



"The rose is red upon my neighbor's vine 

 Are owned by him, but they are also mine. 

 His was the cost and his the labor, too. 

 But mine, as well as his, the joy their loveliness to view. 



"They bloom for me and are for me as fair 

 As for the man who gives them all his care. 

 Thus I am rich, because a good man grew 

 A rose-clad vin-e for all his neighbors' view. 



"I know from this that others plant for me. 

 And what they own, my joy may also be ; 

 So why be selfish, when so much that's fine 

 Is grown for you upon your neighbor's vine." 



Edward G. Butler. 



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