

ves 
POETRY OF FLOWERS. 
THE LESSON OF A ROSE, 
Aw! see, whose fayre thing dost faint to see, 
In springing flower 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 bared 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 3 
No more doth florish after first decay, 
That earst was sought to deck both bedand bower 
Of many a lady, and many a paramoure! 
Gather therefore the rose whilest yet is prime; 
Hor soon comes age that will her pride defloure; 
Gather the rose of love whilest yet is time, 
Whilest loveing thoumayest loved be with equali 
erime, 


















