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. 



Know you not our only 

 Rival flower the human ? 



Loveliest weight on lightest foot 

 Joy-abundant woman ? 



LEIGH HUNT. 



THE LILY AND THE ROSE. 



The nymph must lose her female friend, 



If more admired than she ; 

 But where will fierce contention end, 



If flowers can disagree ? 



Within the garden's peaceful scene 



Appeared two lovely foes, 

 Aspiring to the rank of queen : 



The Lily and the Rose. 



