234 Tall Bearded Iris 



My lofty front towards the heav'ns I bear, 



And represent the sky, when 'tis serene and clear. 



To me a godlike power is given 



With a mild face resembling heaven; 



And in the kingly style no dignity 



Sounds better than Serenity! 



Beauty and Envey oft' together go; 



Handsome myself, I help make others so; 



Both gods and men of most curious eyes 



With secret pleasure I surprise; 



Nor do I less oblige the nose 



With fragrance from my root that blows. 



Not Sibaris or soft Capua did know 



A choicer Flow'r for smell or show. 



Though both with pleasure of all kinds did flow. 



I own the Violet and the Rose 



Divinist odours both disclose; 



The Saffron and Stockgillyflower, 



With many more; 



But yet none can so sweet a root produce. 



My upper parts are trim and fair, 



My lower breathe a grateful air. 



Soft as I am, amidst this luxury, 



Before me rough diseases fly. 



Thus a bold Amazon with virgin face. 



Troops of dastard men will chase: 



Thus Mars and Venus often greet. 



And in single Pallas meet: 



Equal to her in beauty's charms. 



And not to him inferior in arms. 



By secret virtue and resistless power 



Those whom the jaundice seizes, I restore; 



Though moist with ungent, and inclin'd to love, 



I rather was for luxury designed; 



And yet, like some enraged lioness 



Before my painted arms the yellow foe dost haste. 



The Dropsy headlong makes away 



