Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/91

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Such rich profusion; some as yet

Mere buds, which therefore ne’er had met

Rude Boreas’ kiss, while others were

Half opened, and such beauty rare

Displayed as no man would despise

Who once thereon had cast his eyes,

For roses which are broadly blown

Ere long begin to cast adown

Their petals, while the tender new

Fresh buds, as yet untouched by dew,

Will keep their beauty while the sun

His race through three full days doth run.

What ardent longing in my breast

These buds inspired! Whoso possessed

The power to pluck but one, right fain

Must be such glorious prize to gain,

And might I but secure a crown

Thereof, I would forego renown

And fortune fair. Amongst them all,

My rapturous eyes on one did fall,

Whose perfect loveliness outvied

All those beside it. I espied

With joy its lovely petals, which

Kind Nature’s hand had dyed with rich

Deep crimson hue. Its perfect leaves

Were formed of two quadruple sheaves,

Which side by side stood firm and fair,

W^ith stalk strong grown enough to bear

The full-grown bloom which did not bend

Or languish, but most sweetly spend

Its fragrance on the air around

And wrapt my senses in profound