University of Virginia Library


19

THE ROSE.

A rose bud fresh in morning dew,
Its ruddy lip display'd;
Young Phillida to pluck it flew,
And oft in vain essay'd.—
For shielded by its kindred boughs,
It bloom'd protected there;
But Phillida impatient vows,
The blushing sweet to wear.—
Her tender hand then stretching far,
The boughs opposed with scorn;
But soon alas! a trickling scar,
Declared a latent thorn.—
The crimson drops ran quickly down,
And dyed the rifled spray;
When sudden with an angry frown,
She cast the flower away.—
Thus, when your hand I fondly press'd,
Although the wound unseen:
My fault'ring tongue too soon confess'd,
The pain I felt within.

20

Like Phillida, ah! could I gain
The prize, I'd patient bear;
Nor ever of the wound complain,
Might I but win my fair!—