THE CAPTIVE AND THE FLOWERS. 269 
ROSE. ® 
My blossoms near thee I disclose, 
And hear thy wretched plight; 
Thou meanest me, no doubt, the rose, 
Thou noble, hapless knight. 
A lofty mind in thee is seen, 
And in thy bosom reigns the queen 
Of flowers, as is her right. 
CAPTIVE. 
Thy crimson bud I duly prize 
In outer robe of green ; 
For this thou’rt dear in maiden’s eyes, 
As gold and jewels’ sheen. 
Thy wreath adorns the fairest brow, 
And yet the flower—it is not thou, 
Whom my still wishes mean. 
[ 
LILY. 
The little rose has cause for pride, 
And upwards aye will soar ; 
Yet am I held by many a bride 
The rose’s wreath before. 
✓ 23 * 
