64 July. 
I see the tulip’s gorgeous hue, 
And sun-flower’s crown of gold ; 
I see the rose, and woodbine too, 
Their scented leaves unfold ; 
Though they adorn the gay parterre, 
I love them not so well 
As the drooping lily, frail and fair. 
That grows in shady dell. Anon. 
THE LESSON OF A ROSE. 
Ah ! see, whose fayre thing dost faine to see, 
In springing flowre the image of the day ! 
Ah ! see the virgin rose, how sweetly shee 
Doth first peepe forth with bashful modestee, 
That fairer seems the lesse ye see her may ! 
Lo ! see soone after how, more bold and free, 
Her barfed bosome she doth broad display : 
Lo ! see soone after how she fades and falls away ! 
So passeth, in the passing of a day 
Of mortal life, the leafe, the bud, the flowre 
No more doth flourish, after first decay, 
That earst was sought to deck both bed and bowre 
Of many a lady and many a paramoure ! 
Gather therefore the rose whilest yet is prime, 
For soon comes age that will her pride deflowre ; 
Gather the rose of love whilest yet is time, 
Whilest loveing thou mayest loved be with equall crime. 
Spenser. 
