98 



POETRY OF THE ROSE. 



ROSES. 



We are blushing roses, 



Bending with our fullness, 

 'Midst our close-capp'd sister buds, 



Warming the green coolness. 



Whatsoe'er of beauty 



Yearns and yet reposes. 

 Blush, and bosom, and sweet breath, 



Took a shape in roses. 



Hold one of us lightly : 



See from what a slender 

 Stalk we bower in heavy blooms, 



And roundness rich and tender. 



t 



Know you not our only 



Rival flower — the human ? 

 Loveliest weight on liglitest foot — 

 Joy-abundant woman ? 



Leigh Hunt. 



THE LILY AND THE ROSE. 



The nymph must lose her female friend. 



If more admired than she ; 

 Bui where will fierce contention end, 



If flowers can disagree ? 



W 

 Within the garden's peaceful scene 



Appeared two lovely foes. 

 Aspiring to the rank of queen : 



The Lily and the Rose. 



ii^, 



