The SPRIG of HAWTHORN.
HERE on my spray the various blossoms view,
Some wide display'd, some clos'd, some op'ning new.
For admiration each prefers her plea;
Hear the pretensions then of all the three.
The FULL-BLOWN BLOSSOM.
ALL my beauties display'd to the bright beaming sun,
I court ev'ry gazer's regard;
Nor Zephyr's soft kiss e'er attempt I to shun,
Nor my sweets from the bee do I ward.
Thus open and free, from all bashfulness clear,
My cheeks by no blushes are stain'd:
I scorn the cold prude, with her maxims severe,
And her looks so demurely restrain'd.
The BUD.
WANTON, loose, imprudent flow'r,
Thus to tempt loud Scandal's pow'r!
Will beholders ever prize
Charms thus offer'd to their eyes?
Silly blossom, I advise
More thy tender beauties prize;
And, like me, demurely grave,
Close thy sweets enfolded save.
All my virgin form, behold,
Robes of vestal white enfold:
Not the sun's far piercing ray
Can my modest charms survey.
Beauties that are most conceal'd
In the most esteem are held:
Admiration then to gain,
Observation's eye restrain.
The HALF-OPENED BLOSSOM.
LET the broad expanded bloom,
Like a rifled, widow'd flow'r,
On her full-blown charms presume;
Wide display her beauty's pow'r.
Let the tender infant's pride
Close her prudish beauties fold;
Immature, her graces hide,
Lest the sun her charms behold.
Who will wanton beauty prize?
Who admire what's quite conceal'd?
What when clos'd are brightest eyes?
What is wish'd if all's reveal'd?
I nor shun the gazer's sight,
Nor yet court with aspect bold;
On my charms, thus op'ning bright,
Modesty's pure blush behold.
Half my dawning beauties seen,
Make those hid the more desir'd;
Half conceal'd behind the screen,
Make those view'd the more admir'd.
