University of Virginia Library

EPIGRAM.

[Who hangs a garland on the rose?—]

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(From Paulus Silentiarius.)

Who hangs a garland on the rose?—
How idle then the 'broidered vest,
And studded fillet on thy brows,
And pearls that fade upon thy breast;
Twine not with gold thy glossy hair,
That floats, uncheck'd, in lovelier swell;
And scorn the gorgeous gem to bear,
Whose beam thy sparkling eyes excel.
Those dewy lips, that matchless grace,
No borrow'd lustre can enhance;
Trembling, thy potent charms I trace—
But sweet hope lingers in thy glance.