Page:The Romance of Nature; or, The Flower-Seasons Illustrated.djvu/307

193 CONVOLVULI AND MIGNIONETTE.

(BEAUTY AND SWEETNESS.)

well two maidens may be imaged here!

One in Convolvula's all-beauteous face,

That with the richest colour deeply glows,

Conscious and proud of her great loveliness:—

And then in Mignionette's meek humble form,

Without one tint upon her modest garb

To draw the idle stare of wandering eyes,

Which greedily the other's beauty drink.

How well the young and fair are here shown forth!

For some—aye, many, prize a rosy cheek,

A sparkling eye—or lip where rubies strive

With coral the bright mastery to gain,

Above all other wealth. E'en like this flower,

The gay Convolvulus, which spreads her form

Of fragile short-lived loveliness before

The flattering beams of the deceitful sun,

And basks her in his light, and thinks, poor bud

Of foolish vanity—that such will last:—

But soon the noontide glare falls scorchingly

Upon her waning charms—she hangs her head—