The Poetry of Flowers. 
77 
FROM METASTASIO. 
The married are compared by the poet to the young 
Rose, which the lover places in the bosom of his 
mistress, first stripped of thorns. 
Thou virgin Rose ! whose opening leaves so fair, 
The dawn has nourished with her balmy dews, 
While softest whispers of the morning air 
Called forth the blushes of thy vermeil hues ; 
That cautious hand, which cropt thy youthful pride, 
Transplants thy honours, where from hurt secure, 
Stript of each thorn offensive to thy side, 
Thy nobler part alone shall bloom mature. 
Thus thou, a flower, exempt from change of skies, 
By storms and torrents unassailed shall rise, 
And scorn the winter colds and summer heats ; 
A guard more faithful then thy growth shall tend, 
By whom thou may’st in tranquil union blend 
Eternal beauties with eternal sweets. 
THE NARCISSUS. 
BY GAY. 
Here young Narcissus o’er the fountain stood, 
And viewed his image in the crystal flood ; 
The crystal flood reflects his lovely charms, 
And the pleased image strives to meet his arms. 
No nymph his inexperienced breast subdued, 
Echo in vain the flying boy pursued. 
Himself alone the foolish youth admires, 
And with fond look the smiling shade desires ; 
O’er the smooth lake with fruitless tears he grieves 
His spreading fingers shoot in verdant leaves ; 
