Page:Elegiac Sonnets 2.pdf/89

Rh

I hail the goddess for her scarlet flower! Thou brilliant weed, That dost so far exceed The richest gifts gay Flora can bestow: Heedless I pass'd thee in life's morning hour, (Thou comforter of woe) Till sorrow taught me to confess thy power.

In early days, when Fancy cheats, A varied wreath I wove, Of laughing Spring's luxuriant sweets, To deck ungrateful Love: The rose, or thorn, my labours crown'd;   As Venus smiled, or Venus frown'd;