University of Virginia Library


139

XVI. ADDRESSED TO A LADY

Who told me that, being ignorant of Botany, I could not enjoy my Garden.

I love my garden, though I dare confess,
While wandering free its fragrant flowers among,
To me is pedantry that unknown tongue
With which vain science mocks their loveliness.
Perfume and flower I love, nor love I less
The fluttering insect, whose light wings are hung
With gold and purple, and the sweet lay sung
By thousand birds who their protector bless.
Think, thou who wrong'st me thus, how fondly I
Gaze on thy features, though unskill'd to speak,
In learnèd phrase, of their anatomy;
I love the blush that mantles o'er thy cheek,
I love the smile of welcome in thine eye,
Nor how, nor whence; they come care I to seek.