University of Virginia Library


7

SWEET PEA

Like butterflies that hover
The reddest rose-tree over,
Or rosy bee,
The rosiest rose's lover.
Or like rose-leaves caught flying
In loveliest flight undying,
The sweet, sweet pea
Sets all the winds to sighing.
Scarlet and rose together,
She takes the brilliant weather
Like humming-bird
That flaunts a scarlet feather.
So strong, so fine, so airy,
Poised like a tiptoe fairy,
That careless word
Sets off, or foot unwary.
Ready for flight, yet never
Her links with earth to sever,
So lingers she,
One foot on earth for ever.

8

But in gold air and azure,
Yet treads her heavenly measure;
The winged sweet pea
Dances for her sweet pleasure.