234 
THE POETRY OF FLOWERS 
Alas! “ all that’s bright must fade !” How true a picture of 
human life, and of the growth and decay of human beauty, is 
exhibited in the following lines by Jeremy Taylor: “But so I 
have seen a rose newly springing from the clefts of its hood: 
and at first it was fair as the morning, and full with the dew 
of heaven, as a lamb’s fleece; but when a rude breath had 
forced open its modesty, and dismantled its youthful retirement, 
it began to put on darkness, and decline to softness, and the 
symptoms of a sickly age came on; it bowed its head and broke 
its stalk: and at night having lost some of it leaves, and all 
its beauty, it fell with the portion of weeds and outworn faces.” 
I pray thee do not blossom yet, 
My fairy rose — my pretty pet! 
Let not the wooing light and air 
Beguile those tender leaves apart, 
But keep thy wealth of incense there, 
With Patience at thy blooming heart! 
f. s. o. 
\ 
THE DYING ROSEBUD’S LAMENT. 
Ah me ! ah ! wo is me ! 
That I should perish now, 
With the dear sunlight just let in, 
Upon my balmy brow ! & 
My leaves, instinct with glowing life, 
Were quivering to unclose, 
My happy heart with love was rife; — 
I was almost a rose! 
f. s. o. 
