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XIIE lover’s offering, 
’Twas but a moment—o’er the Rose 
A veil of moss the angel throws ; 
And, robed in nature’s simplest weed , 
Could there a flower that Rose exceed ? 
THE FIRST ROSE OF SUMMER. 
Welcome, Welcome, lovely comer, 
First and fairest rose of summer; 
Let us hail thy joyful reign, 
Sweetest of the fragrant train, 
Brightest, brilliant, fairest flower, 
Shedding sweets in verdant bower. 
Welcome, Welcome, lovely guest, 
In thy modest vesture drest, 
No splendid garments you desire, 
No glittering gems in thy attire, 
No brilliants thy fair robes adorn, 
But the pearly drops of morn. 
Welcome, welcome, pride of May, 
Long thy pleasing power display; 
Fairest floweret of the field, 
Homage to thy charms I yield; 
Might I bend a willing knee, 
Thankful in adoring thee. 
