University of Virginia Library

SWEET IMPERFECTION.

“SIMPLEX MUNDITIIS.”

Rosa is bright as summer's skies,
Adorned with every meetness;
And who will gentle Violet prize,
Rich with but incompleteness?
Rosa is without flaw, I know,
She has all woman's graces;
As fair and faultless as the snow,
As cold in her embraces.
But though poor Violet's charms be small,
Nor win the world's detection;
Yet give me Violet still, with all
Her precious imperfection.
Better a breast of human mould,
For every feeling fitted;
Than beauty that has gifts untold,
With just the heart omitted.
If I admire the radiant bloom,
The form of perfect splendour;
I love the sweetness, that no gloom
Can make less true and tender.