THE LILY AND THE RUSE. 



COWPER. 



The nymph must lose her female friend. 

 If more admir'd 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. 



The Rose soon redden'd into rage, 

 And swelling with disdain, 



Appeal'd to many a Poet's page 

 To prove her right to reign. 



The Lily's height bespoke command, 



A fair imperial flower ; 

 She seem'd design'd for Flora's hand, 



The sceptre of her power. 



