[Intended to be used in the garlands for decorating the head of the
Virgin Mary.]
Rose of the morning, in thy glowing beauty
Bright as the stars, and delicate and lovely,
Lift up thy head above thy earthly dwelling,
Daughter of heaven!
Wake! for the watery clouds are all dispersing;
Zephyr invites thee.--frosts and snows of winter
All are departed, and Favonian breezes
Welcome thee smiling.
Rise in thy beauty;--wilt thou form a garland
Round the fair brow of some belovèd maiden?
Pure though she be, unhallowed temple never,
Flow'ret! shall wear thee.
Thou shouldst be wreathed in coronal immortal--
Thou shouldst be flung upon a shrine eternal--
Thou shouldst be twined among the golden ringlets
Of the pure Virgin.