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THE POETF r OF FLOWERS. 
the lily and the rose. 
by COWPER. 
The nymph must lose her female friend 
If more admired than she— 
But where will fierce contention end, 
If flowers can disagree ? 
Within the garden’s peaceful scene 
Appear’d two lovely foes, 
Aspiring to the rank of queen, 
The Lily and the Rose. 
The Rose soon redden’d into rage, 
And swelling with disdain, 
Appeal’d to many a poet’s page 
To prove her right to reign. 
The Lily’s height bespoke command, 
A fair imperial flower; 
She seem’d design’d for Flora’s hand, 
The sceptre of her power. 
This civil bickering and debate 
The goddess chanced to hear; 
And flew to save, ere yet too late, 
The pride of the parterre. 
