THE ROSE. 
95 
To the true lovers of the rose — and who is not ? — 
no apology will be needed for the insertion of this 
somewhat long, but most interesting, quotation. What 
remains to be said, however, must be briefly noticed. 
Many species of the rose retain their scent long after 
death. On this peculiarity the poet thus comments : — 
“ And first of all, the rose; because its breath 
Is rich beyond the rest; and when it dies, 
It doth bequeath a charm to sweeten death.” 
And Shakspeare, perhaps in reference to the exquisite 
perfume extracted from its blossoms, thus eulogises it: — 
“ The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem 
For that sweet odour which doth in it live. 
The canker-blooms have full as deep a dye 
As the perfumed tincture of the roses, 
Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly, 
When summer’s breath their masked buds discloses. 
But, for then’ virtue only is their show, 
They live unmoved, and unrespected fade : 
Die to themselves ; sweet roses do not so ; 
Of their sweet deaths are sweetest odours made.” 
It is this delightful quality in the rose which has 
given rise to the following lines: — 
