Transcriber’s Notes:
Underscores “_” before and after a word or phrase indicate _italics_
in the original text.
Small capitals have been converted to SOLID capitals.
Old or antiquated spellings have been preserved.
Typographical and punctuation errors have been silently corrected.
FABLES
OF
FLOWERS,
FOR
THE FEMALE SEX.
WITH
ZEPHYRUS AND FLORA,
A VISION.
WRITTEN FOR THE AMUSEMENT OF
HER HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL
BY THE AUTHOR OF THE CHOICE EMBLEMS, &C. &C.
NATURE here
Wantons as in her prime, and plays at will
Her virgin fancies.
MILTON.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR GEORGE RILEY, BOOKSELLER,
IN CURZON-STREET, MAY-FAIR.
AND SOLD BY
JOHN WILKIE, ST. PAUL’S-CHURCH-YARD.
MDCCLXXIII.
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
LADY CHARLOTTE FINCH.
THESE NEW FABLES
WRITTEN FOR THE AMUSEMENT
OF
HER HIGHNESS,
CHARLOTTE,
PRINCESS ROYAL OF ENGLAND.
ARE MOST HUMBLY DEDICATED BY
HER LADYSHIP’S
MOST HUMBLE
AND OBEDIENT SERVANT,
THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
When I survey the divine simplicity and blooming attractions, that are
displayed amongst the variegated tribes of the vegetable creation, I
cease to wonder, that _Queens forego, for a while, the compliments of
a nation, or withdraw from the glitter of a_ COURT, _to be attended
with the more splendid_ EQUIPAGE _of a_ BED _of_ FLOWERS; where nothing
seems wanting but the power of _speech_, to make them become the most
pleasing Monitors.
How far the Author of the following Fables, written for the amusement
of an exalted Personage, may have succeeded, in descriptive fancy, as
a poet: it is hoped, that, the moral and refined admonitions which may
be found to breathe, from the fragrant bosom of a silver-robed Lily, or
a blooming Jonquil, will throw a veil over any poetical inaccuracies;
_for who can paint like Nature?_
As to the novelty of the plan, I cannot but hold myself, in a great
measure, indebted to an ingenious Lady[1], well known in the literary
world. And can only say, that I have found both health and recreation
in the completion of it; by sharing some of the sweetest hours of
contemplation, among the lovely subjects of the following pages.
THE AUTHOR.
[1] The author of The Vizlis: or Enchanted Labyrinth; an Oriental
Tale, 3 Vols.—Wherein describes with great taste and fancy, the
different passions that are subject to misguide the warm and expanded
imagination, of Youth by the Flowers they make choice of in the
Labyrinth.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
ZEPHYRUS and FLORA 1
FABLE I.
The Hollyhock and Lily of the Vale 24
II.
The Aloe in Blossom 31
III.
The Rose and Hornet 37
IV.
The Sensitive Plant 42
V.
The Hawthorn and the Primrose 47
VI.
The White Rose and the Red 53
VII.
The Crocus 59
VIII.
The Anemone and the Passion Flower 64
IX.
The Lily and Narcissus 69
X.
The Ivy and Sweet Briar 73
XI.
The Violet Transplanted 77
XII.
The Tulip and the Amaranth 81
XIII.
The Honey Succkle and Youth 87
XIV.
Belinda and the Blue-Bell 92
XV.
The Larkspur and the Myrtle 97
XVI.
The Poppy and the Sun-Flower 102
XVII.
The Iris and the Rose 109
XVIII.
The Nasturtium and the Wall Flower 113
XIX.
The Traveller and Lapland Rose 119
XX.
The Deadly Night Shade 124
XXI.
The Crown Imperial and Hearts Ease 129
XXII.
The Water Lily 133
XXIII.
The Funeral Flowers and the Lover 137
XXIV.
The Field and Garden Daisy 142
XXV.
The Pinks and Arbutus 147
XXVI.
The Cockscomb and Sweet William 153
XXVII.
The Jasmine and Hemlock 157
XXVIII.
The Carnation and Southernwood 161
XXIX.
The Rosemary and Field Flower 165
XXX.
The Judgment of the Flowers 169
ZEPHYRUS AND FLORA: A VISION.
[Illustration]
I.
As late I wander’d o’er the flow’ry plain,
Where Cambrian Cluyd pours his silver tide,
Amidst the pleasures of fair Plenty’s reign,
And blushing flow’rs and fruits on ev’ry side:
II.
Soft sigh’d the west winds, murm’ring o’er the dale,
Whose ev’ry charm rose fresher from the breeze;
The lofty hills more boldly kiss’d the gale,
Which skimm’d their tops, and shook the wavy trees.
III.
The sun descending, shot his golden beams
Askance, with many a cloud his ev’ning throne
Adorn’d; while mountains, woods, and lucent streams,
With the last blushes of his radiance shone.
IV.
Far stretching hence, Cambria’s rough heights I view,
Where Liberty long since forlorn retir’d,
Left fairer climes, and skies of brighter hue,
And, but at last, triumphantly expir’d:
V.
And wide around me wound the fertile vale[2],
Fit theme and subject of the poet’s song;
Whose num’rous beauties load the passing gale,
Whose breath repeats them, as it glides along.
[2] The Vale of Cluyd.
VI.
Bright Phœbus sunk, dim twilight now succeeds,
Still gleaming dubious with uncertain ray,
While tremblingly among the vocal reeds
The ev’ning breezes still more faintly play.
VII.
Amid this beauteous, soft, and flow’ry scene,
On a high bank, all listless, I reclin’d;
Whose shelving sides were crown’d with lively green,
By tufted trees and bord’ring flow’rs confin’d.
VIII.
Here, while the landscape faded on my sight,
Wild Fancy’s eye still brighter scenes supply’d;
I view’d not the last track of parting light,
Nor mark’d the fanning breezes as they dy’d.
IX.
At length, Imagination, roving maid,
Though gentle sleep had fetter’d all my pow’rs
In golden chains, my busy soul convey’d
To other landscapes and immortal bow’rs.
X.
Methought I stood amidst a garden fair,
Whose bounds no sight of mortal eye could trace,
Situate mid-way, betwixt earth, seas, and air,
Unmark’d by Time, uncircumscrib’d by Space.
XI.
Not half so sweet was that delightsome dale,
Which to my waking view appear’d so bright;
For _here_ did never-ceasing suns prevail,
With mildest sweetness temp’ring heav’nly light.
XII.
Spring breath’d eternal glories o’er the land:
And gentlest winds, o’er fragrant lawns that blow,
Nurs’d beauteous buds unset by mortal hand,
And op’ning flow’rs that without planting grow.
XIII.
Serene the heav’ns, save where a cloudy shrine,
Big with cœlestial plenty, sail’d on high,
Show’r’d Spring’s own roses from her seat divine,
And drew a purple radiance o’er the sky.
XIV.
Meanwhile, soft music echoing from each grove,
Tun’d to enchanting notes most soft and clear,
That breath’d the soul of harmony and love,
Thrill’d the rapt breast, and charm’d the list’ning ear.
XV.
And still the while, with voices loud and sweet,
The warbling birds in dulcet concert join’d,
The waters murm’ring flow with cadence meet,
“Low answer’d by the gently whisp’ring wind.”
XVI.
These themes of wonder silent I survey’d,
Attentive hanging on each dying sound;
Pleas’d with the glories which I saw display’d,
And scenes of joy and pleasure op’ning round.
XVII.
Yet still methought a certain want appear’d,
Of some to own this spot, so heav’nly fair,
Else were each charming flow’ret vainly rear’d,
“To bloom unnotic’d to the desart air:”
XVIII.
Else, were in vain these soft melodious strains,
Which the whole soul of harmony inspir’d,
Pour’d to the wild woods and the lonely plains,
Though worthiest still by all to be admir’d.
XIX.
Such were creation’s first imperfect hours,
When the gay heav’ns in early beauty shone,
And earth, bedeck’d with beasts, birds, plants, and flow’rs,
Spread all her bosom to the genial sun;
XX.
Unfinish’d still the mighty work appear’d,
Till Man, the lord of all, was bid to rise;
With open brow his face divine who rear’d,
And sought with upright look his native skies.
XXI.
Thus as I paus’d, still louder swell’d the notes,
From ev’ry bush, and brake, and echoing hill;
While choirs cœlestial seem’d to tune their throats,
And, with glad voice the chearful chorus fill.
XXII.
Then, by some magic pow’r swift snatch’d away,
Ev’n to the midst of that delightful land,
I view’d at once all clad in bright array,
A thousand Genii of the gardens stand.
XXIII.
But far above all these a seat was plac’d,
Dress’d with each flow’r that ev’ry season knows,
Whose vary’d tints, in gem-like order, grac’d
The rural theatre which gradual rose.
XXIV.
For lo! the Genius of each blooming flow’r
Brought his own fav’rite with peculiar care,
To deck the arch of this inchanted bow’r,
And, bowing at the throne, he plac’d it there.
XXV.
A sight more beauteous ne’er did eye behold,
Than these bright tribes that glitter’d on the day;
And, rich in purple dyes and flaming gold,
Did their bright bosoms to the sun display.
XXVI.
Such was the throne;—but oh! what pen can trace
The heav’nly beauties of the matchless Two,
Who, glowing with each bright cœlestial grace,
Sat there aloft, conspicuous to the view!
XXVII.
The first, a youth of sweet and gentle mien,
With many a wreath and knotted garland crown’d;
Whose beauteous visage glow’d with charms serene,
And on whose shoulders purple wings were bound:
XXVIII.
These when he spreads, reviving Nature pours
Her copious treasures of immortal bloom;
Whilst through vast realms he scatters vernal stores,
And from his downy pinions shakes perfume.
XXIX.
His name was ZEPHYRUS; and next him sat
The beauteous goddess of the blooming year,
The constant partner of his rural state,
To heav’n and earth, to gods and mortals dear;
XXX.
FLORA, bright pow’r, who sheds a thousand sweets
O’er thousand lands, what time her gifts appear,
What time her consort with his kisses greets
Her coral lips, and wakes the rising year.
XXXI.
Her beauteous face was deck’d with youthful pride,
Her graceful form in flamy robes was dress’d;
And ev’ry charm wild Nature could provide,
Adorn’d her head, and beam’d upon her breast.
XXXII.
Beside the throne, rang’d in fair order, stood
The various Seasons of the rolling year;
By all their train of months, weeks, days, pursu’d:
And all their various symbols flourish’d here.
XXXIII.
First came the SPRING, led by the rosy Hours,
With all the Loves and Graces in her train;
Deck’d with her wreath of never-fading flow’rs,
Diffusing odours o’er the smiling plain.
XXXIV.
Next SUMMER came; his cheeks with ardour fir’d,
With his own blushing fruits and harvests crown’d;
Before whose face the infant Spring retir’d,
And with her roses strew’d the russet ground.
XXXV.
Stain’d with the grape’s press’d juice, with steadier pace,
Still looking backward on preceding time,
Ripe AUTUMN next succeeded in his place;
Scatt’ring rich fruits, the growth of ev’ry clime.
XXXVI.
Last WINTER comes, with heavy step and flow,
A hoary captive bound in icy chains;
With haggard eyes, and mantle dipp’d in snow,
Who still of cold in Spring’s own realms complains.
XXXVII.
Not one of these, but from their various store
Some off’ring meet to lovely Flora pay;
Not one of these, but with that off’ring more,
And her soft reign most willingly obey.
XXXVIII.
Ev’n WINTER’S self, with look averted, throws,
His thin-strewn flow’rets on the goddess’ shrine;
Ev’n _his_ cold bosom for a moment glows,
When he beholds her radiant form divine.
XXXIX.
But now the Genii of each plant and flow’r,
Rang’d in fair order, wait her high commands;
And each, approaching her delicious bow’r,
In expectation of her verdict stands.
XL.
For many of the _garden’s_ painted race,
And some that with their colours deck the _field_,
Rivals in wealth, in beauty, and in grace,
Had wag’d high wars, unknowing how to yield.
XLI.
All claim’d preferment, and each one could boast
Of some bright beauty or perfection dear,
Which should induce mankind to prize _her_ most,
And to preferment make her title clear.
XLII.
And some, of empty shew and titles vain;
Alas! that Pride so many should deceive!
Claim’d o’er their kindred plants and flow’rs to reign:
And of their birthright others would bereave.
XLIII.
The Crown Imperial, and the spurious Flow’r
Which boasts of royal arms and royal mien[3];
The warlike Plant that claims immortal pow’r[4],
And that gay lady call’d the Meadow’s Queen.
XLIV.
All these, and more, that scorn’d a subject state,
Rose to the claim of high imperial sway:
Forgetting—to be _good_ was to be _great_—
They rose to rule, unpractis’d to obey.
XLV.
Others again for _beauty’s_ meed contend,
Chief amidst whom appear’d the Tulip race;
A painted tribe, born only to contend
For praise, where _all_ is giv’n external grace.
XLVI.
Alcæa proud[5]; and lovely Venus’ joy,
That does from adverse winds its title claim[6];
The once conceited, self-admiring Boy[7],
Whose love prepost’rous gave a flow’r a name.
[3] Iris, or Fleur de lis.
[4] Larkspur.
[5] The Hollyhock.
[6] Anemone, or Wind Flower.
[7] Narcissus.
XLVII.
The proud Carnation dipp’d in brightest dyes,
Who still with thirst of praise and glory burns;
With her whose mirrour cheats deluded eyes[8],
And she that still to her lov’d Phœbus turns[9].
XLVIII.
There, with their num’rous chiefs of diff’rent hues,
The painted Cock’s Comb, and his lofty train,
Their beauties vaunting, to the rest refuse
To share the glories of their gaudy reign.—
XLIX.
The judges sat, each sep’rate claim was heard,
While some for _rule_, and some for _praises_, sought;
And some had been disgrac’d, and some preferr’d,
As in the goddess’ mind their various pleadings wrought
L.
But her lov’d consort, gently whisp’ring, said:
“What means my Queen, on these to cast her sight,
Who have but pride or lust of sway display’d,
Nor brought their real worth or virtues to the light?”
[8] Bell Flower, Corn Violet, or Venus’s Looking-Glass.
[9] Clytie, or the Sun-Flower.
LI.
How many absent now, more fair than these,
With greater fragrance in lone valleys blow?
Or, if the garden’s flow’ry tribe more please,
Where do the Rose and lovely Vi’let glow?
LII.
The Lily where, and all that num’rous host,
Who claim true praise to innate virtue due;
Or do they _merit least_ who _loudest boast_,
And with false glare impose upon the view?
LIII.
For sure, of all who feel my genial gale,
Or to the sun their fragrant breasts unfold,
The best and sweetest that on earth prevail,
Yet do I not in this fair court behold.
LIV.
He said; and FLORA, rising from her throne,
Bade present search for ev’ry one be made:
Who, though their off’rings on her altar shone,
Their modest haste had from the court convey’d.
LV.
Strait they return’d:—The lovely blushing Rose,
The Lily ever chaste and ever fair,
The Vi’let sweet with purple tints that glows,
And Myrtle green, that scents the ambient air:
LVI.
With many more, grateful to sight and smell,
By bounteous heav’n with matchless charms endu’d;
That in the fragrant meads or gardens dwell,
Or which wild wastes from human eyes seclude.
LVII.
These by their Genii now in modest guise,
Excus’d from pleading ’midst the mingled throng.
Claim’d but the tribute all allow’d their prize,
Nor sought their own just praises to prolong.
LVIII.
Yet, these once seen, abash’d their rivals stand;
And would have fled, but FLORA this deny’d;
Who, rising graceful, with her out-stretch’d hand,
Thus briefly to th’ assembled pow’rs apply’d:
LIX.
“Genii of gardens, meads, and sylvan scenes,
Attendant still in FLORA’S vernal train,
Say what this ardent, fond contention means,
Why strive you thus for pow’r, and strive in vain?
LX.
Are you not all beneath our sceptre blest;
Say, do not all confess our gentle sway?
Then seek not one to triumph o’er the rest,
But each in peaceful order still obey.
LXI.
So _all_ the glories of my reign shall share,
So _all_ be still in poets songs renown’d,
So shall my ZEPHYR still with gentlest air,
Wave o’er your beds, with bloom eternal crown’d.
LXII.
And _you_, who not for pow’r, but beauty’s charms,
For gaudy tints, still fiercely would contend;
What envious fire such gentle bosoms warms?
And where, alas! must the mad contest end?
LXIII.
Each has her charms, and each peculiar worth,
To all in various portions duly giv’n,
By secret Nature working at its birth,
The lavish bounty of indulgent Heav’n.
LXIV.
Each has her charms:—but view the blushing Rose,
Behold the beauties of the Lily fair;
Few boast of equal excellence to those,
Yet with their modest merit none compare.
LXV.
These, therefore, we prefer; and though no Queen
Besides Ourselves we will to hold the reign;
Yet, for their true desart conspicuous seen,
We rank them foremost on the flow’ry plain.
LXVI.
Hear, and obey; and if aught else abide,
To raise dispute among your orders bright;
Still by true merit let the cause be try’d,
And specious _shew_ yield to more solid _right_.”
LXVII.
She spoke;—the Seasons, and the winged Hours,
Confirm’d her voice; then breath’d a rich perfume,
Which ZEPHYR scatter’d wide o’er all the flow’rs,
And deck’d their leaves with more than mortal bloom.
LXVIII.
Then, his lov’d consort straining in his arms,
With gentlest touch salutes her swelling breast;
Who strait shone forth in more refulgent charms,
As JUNO when by vernal JOVE caress’d.
LXIX.
And sudden joining in a mazy dance,
The airy phantoms of the scene appear’d;
Some to the sprightly timbrel did advance,
While some their clear harmonious voices rear’d.
LXX.
But One among the rest, who view’d me stand
Intent, and gazing on the prospect near,
Came forth, and gently touch’d my trembling hand,
And bade me mark his words, and nothing fear:
LXXI.
“And seest thou not (said he) these vary’d flow’rs,
Contending still for beauty or for sway?
Such are the contests which employ man’s hours,
In life’s short, busy, transitory day.
LXXII.
For what is gaudy beauty’s short-liv’d bloom,
The pomp of pow’r, of riches, or of pride;
Soon bury’d in the undistinguish’d tomb,
Which all their boasted pomp at once must hide?
LXXIII.
VIRTUE alone survives, immortal maid!
Her truly amaranthine flow’r shall blow,
When all the rest are wrapt in dusky shade,
And laid in dark and dusty ruins low.
LXXIV.
Hear, and attend!—improve the moral strain,
So may’st thou sail safe through life’s dang’rous sea;
So from these scenes thou wisdom may’st attain,
And FLORA prove MINERVA’S self to thee.”
LXXV.
He ceas’d; and well I mark’d the prudent lore,
And much revolv’d his saying in my mind;
Bent all the mystic moral to explore,
By this romantic, splendid scene design’d.
LXXVI.
But, the full concert swelling on my ear,
The bands of Sleep dissolv’d, away he flies;
At once the train of phantoms disappear,
And on my waking sight the vision dies.
LXXVII.
No longer now near FLORA’S bow’r I stood,
But view’d with op’ning eyes the rising day;
Then down the Valley fair my path pursu’d,
And homeward took my solitary way.
FABLES OF FLOWERS.
[Illustration: _Fab. I The Holly Hock & Lily of the Vale_]
[Illustration: _Fab. II The Aloe in Blossom_]
FABLE I.
The HOLLYHOCK and the LILY of the VALE.
I.
’Twas early morn, Sol’s radiant beams
Illum’d the landscape round.
The dew-drops glitter’d on the day,
And gem-like deck’d the ground.
II.
Within the garden’s cultur’d walks
A Hollyhock there grew;
And there the Lily of the Vale
Kept humble distance due.
III.
Elate with pride, the gaudy flow’r
Expands its swelling breast;
And, joying in the vernal scene,
The LILY thus address’d:
IV.
“What dost thou here, mean paltry thing,
“Go blow in yonder field;
“Nor thus disgrace fair FLORA’S tribes,
“That heav’nly beauties yield.
V.
“Go, with thy faint and sickly hue;
“Some chearless vale adorn;
“But here intrude not on our reign,
“Nor drink the dew of morn.
VI.
“Whilst I with heighten’d colours glow,
“In Summer’s liv’ry gay;
“Imbibe the softest tints of light,
“And glitter on the day.
VII.
“Me yonder golden sun shall warm,
“At morn and noon-tide hour;
“And me his ev’ning beams attend,
“Like his own fav’rite flow’r.
VIII.
“Nor yonder Rose, nor Bacchus’ Plant,
“Which twining near me grows,
“Can boast more excellence than me,
“Or brighter dyes disclose.
IX.
“Hence thou! nor this fair spot profane,
“Where fairer flow’rets blow;
“Return again to shades obscure,
“And there neglected grow.”
X.
The LILY heard, with decent grace,
That scorn’d the boaster’s pride;
Then from her lone, unenvy’d bed
She thus in brief reply’d;
XI.
“From vaunting loud what fame is gain’d,
“To raise the boaster’s name;
“Or might not yonder blushing Rose
“Exert a fairer claim?
XII.
“And many a flow’r that round thee blows,
“In the bright garb of Spring;
“Or, rich in elegant perfumes,
“That scent the Zephyr’s wing.
XIII.
“The vine, with purple clusters deck’d,
“Shall soon rich sweets bestow;
“Whilst thou, a barren flow’r at best,
“Art only made for show.
XIV.
“For ME;—what Nature form’d, I am;
“I envy not thy pride;
“Nor seek to raise a greater boast,
“By Providence deny’d.
XV.
“Yet in some dark and dang’rous hour,
“When tempests rude assail;
“Ev’n thou may’st wish the humbler state
“Of LILY OF THE VALE.”
XVI.
Safe from her humble spot she said,
And view’d the changing sky;
From op’ning clouds the thunders break,
The livid lightnings fly.
XVII.
Full on the garden’s lofty wall,
The flow’rs exalted place,
The fires æthereal swiftly fall,
And rend its solid base.
XVIII.
And now the boaster’s trust and pride
Assur’d her overthrow;
Her glories buried in the dust,
By one destructive blow.
XIX.
The LILY view’d the ruin’d flow’r,
And strait this Moral drew;
_Beauty and Pride are idly vain,_
_But Praise is Merit’s due_.
XX.
_Daughters of Albion, timely wise,_
_Attend the moral tale;_
_And imitate with prudent care_
THE LILY OF THE VALE.
FABLE II.
The ALOE in BLOSSOM.
I.
“From warmer climates early borne,
“Where beams the god of light;
“How gaily blooms yon lofty plant,
“In native colours bright!
II.
“The root, the plant, the leaf, the flow’r,
“Alike our wonder raise;
“And all confess the fragrant stock,
“Renown’d in ancient days.
III.
“Some say, but one revolving age
“Beholds thy beauties spread;
“And rear aloft to genial suns
“Its highly blooming head.
IV.
“But thou, like Merit, kindly nurs’d,
“An early spring wilt know;
“While, check’d by rigid, frowning skies,
“Thy gems forget to glow.
V.
“Emblem of Genius rarely known,
“And still more rarely giv’n;
“To reap the good itself imparts,
“And share the gifts of Heav’n.
VI.
“Say, glorious stranger, rear’d erewhile
“In distant, sunny lands;
“Can either India more bestow,
“Than Albion’s isle commands?
VII.
“In western and in southern climes
“Too long hast thou been plac’d;
“And India’s sands, and Afric’s wilds,
“Thy beauteous presence grac’d.
VIII.
“Deign then, O sov’reign plant, thy balm,
“On this our land bestow;
“And give thy flow’rs in all their grace
“And lustre here to blow.”—
IX.
The Guardian Sylph, that watch’d the flow’r,
Confess’d before me stood;
And shook his bright and sunny locks,
And thus my suit withstood:
X.
“Cease, cease, he cry’d, such boons to ask,
“As scarce deserve a name;
“While Albion, favour’d from above,
“Can greater blessings claim.
XI.
“Still, still, their gems and spicy store,
“Let either India boast;
“And Afric vaunt the precious sands,
“That glitter on her coast.
XII.
“Not these, nor all the hidden wealth,
“That earth or sea possess;
“Can match those richer gifts of heav’n,
“Which fair Britannia bless.
XIII.
“Peace, Freedom, Wealth from farthest shores,
“By golden commerce brought;
“All these are hers, and ev’ry good,
“By happiest nations sought.
XIV.
“Nor _this_ alone; here Genius blooms,
“A _Flow’r_ excelling _mine_.
“Nor asks a whole revolving age,
“In glories to refine.
XV.
“Here too the Fair, with beauty bright,
“The hearts of heroes warm;
“Those _human blossoms_ genial blow,
“And put forth ev’ry charm.
XVI.
“Cease then, _nor envy other climes_
“_Their beauties thinly strewn_;
“_But learn with decent pride to prize_
“_The blessings of your own_.”
[Illustration: _Fab. III. The Rose & Hornet_]
[Illustration: _Fab. IV. The Sensitive Plant_]
FABLE III.
The ROSE and the HORNET.
I.
Deep in a lone sequester’d vale,
Where many’ a streamlet flows;
And nurs’d by many’ a gentle gale,
Soft bloom’d a damask Rose.
II.
The Summer’s suns, the Zephyrs bland,
All own’d her peerless queen;
The honey’d Bee, Spring’s sweetest child,
Oft’ sought her breast serene.
III.
Her beauties op’ning on the day,
With ev’ry grace were crown’d;
Imbib’d the golden solar beam,
And deck’d the desart ground.
IV.
Daughter of Nature, still she blow’d,
Where human face ne’er shone;
And spread her blossoms to the view
But of the Sun alone.
V.
Pride of the East, a brighter glow,
Beyond our garden’s bloom,
Bade her with heighten’d beauty blush,
And scatter rich perfume.
VI.
Her rudely rushing through the air
An angry HORNET ’spy’d;
Vow’d to enjoy the heav’nly flow’r,
In all her blooming pride.
VII.
Bold son of heat, with rudest haste,
His course he strait address’d;
To rifle all her charms in spite,
And riot on her breast.
VIII.
He search’d each leaf, each blossom wounds
With rude unhallow’d rage;
Yet nothing could his search explore,
His passion to assuage.
IX.
The beauteous flow’r, though wildly rent,
No sweetness would afford;
But hurt by many a vengeful thorn,
His rashness he deplor’d.
X.
At length, thus baffled and deceiv’d,
Enrag’d, he silence broke;
And now of ev’ry hope bereft,
He thus insulting spoke;
XI.
“Vain gaudy flow’r, they term thy breast
“Engaging, bright, and fair;
“Who seek thy bosom, ne’er shall find
“Or joy or sweetness there.
XII.
“The Bee indeed, thy fav’rite, still
“Says, Honey springs from thee;
“Yet nought but trouble, care, and pain,
“Hast thou bestow’d on me.
XIII.
“Then boast no more thy beauteous form
“That still excites desire;
“Since _Thorns_ alone thou canst bestow,
“To quench a lover’s fire.”
XIV.
Then thus the Rose,—“Intruder vile!
“Who thus would’st force employ;
“Though arm’d with pow’r; know ’tis not thine
“To taste substantial joy.
XV.
“The Bee, who sips each sweet that glows
“In lawn or shady bow’r,
“Tastes all the honey as he flies,
“But never wounds the flow’r.
XVI.
“Whilst thou, both impious and unwise,
“Of all our tribes the scorn:
“For ev’ry violated sweet
“Shalt always meet a thorn.”
FABLE IV. The SENSITIVE PLANT.
I.
Rare plant, or flow’r, or nymph-like tree,
With human sense endu’d;
Why dost thou shrink beneath the touch,
And bear but to be _view’d_?
II.
Say does some Hamadryad chuse
In that green stem to live?
And to her highly favour’d shrine
This strong sensation give?
III.
Well for thy sake their ancient oaks
The wood-nymphs might forsake;
And in thy purer bosom with
Their lov’d abodes to make.
IV.
Yet why indignant from each hand
Alike dost thou retire?
Does ev’ry touch, replete with ill,
Alike thy hate inspire?
V.
Too cautious nymph! well might’st thou deign
To some thy breast unfold;
Sure those would _worship_ at the _touch_,
Who _love_ when they _behold_.
VI.
Shrunk in herself, with modest grace
The Plant thus fair reply’d,
“Whate’er my source, my maiden state
“But ill agrees with pride[10].
[10] This flower is encompassed with thorns, and its root is said to
have a poisonous quality.
VII.
“In purity alone I joy;
“I seek no other fame,
“But that which from chaste wishes grows,
“And suits a virgin’s name.
VIII.
“Nymphs of the woods, the groves, and streams,
“Too oft have found the smart
“Of looser fires, which, once indulg’d,
“Will rankle in the heart.
IX.
“Me no rude touch shall e’er profane;
“That guard if once I leave,
“Of ev’ry virtue well I know
“Mankind would me bereave.
X.
“Nor this alone, know, curious youth,
“A thorny mail I own;
“Foe to the rash unthinking hand
“That violates my throne.
XI.
“And ev’n within this spotless breast
“Does deadly venom spring;
“So he that ravishes the sweets,
“May meet the mortal sting.
XII.
“Go then, and range from flow’r to flow’r,
“Amidst the gaudy train:
“But sacred be my homely plant,
“To bright-hair’d Vesta’s reign.
XIII.
“She ceas’d; nor I the flow’r profan’d,
“To chastity devote;
“But on the sand with rustic pen,
“This sacred moral wrote:
XIV.
_The Nymph who slights strict virtue’s guard,_
_Shall quickly meet a snare;_
_And Pleasures, rais’d on Virtue’s bane,_
_Are fatal, as they’re fair._
[Illustration: _Fab. V The Hawthorn & Primrose_]
[Illustration: _Fab. VI The White Rose & Red_]
FABLE V.
The HAWTHORN and the PRIMROSE.
I.
Beneath a wild and rustic shade,
Impervious to the view;
In the sweet-smiling month of May,
A lovely Primrose grew.
II.
The gentle child of early Spring
By bounteous FLORA crown’d;
With vernal beauties born to deck
The unfrequented ground.
III.
The brightest dye, the sweetest scent,
Her yellow leaves could yield;
Were spent upon the empty air,
Nor e’er adorn’d the field.
IV.
For round her grew a bushy brake,
With many’ a thorn beset;
And many’ a weed obscene and foul
Deform’d the green retreat.
V.
But high above the rest advanc’d
A spreading Hawthorn rose;
Whose lengthen’d branches overhung
The seat of her repose.
VI.
Her gem-like blossoms wide display’d
The darkling dell adorn;
With grateful fragrance kiss the wind,
And drink the dew of morn’.
VII.
Her the lone Rose in mournful guise
Full many a day had ey’d;
And thus at length one summer’s eve
She all impatient cry’d.
VIII.
“Ah Thorn! the bane of all my hopes!
“Ah Thorn! that wound’st my peace!
“Still must I view thy branches spread,
“And still my woes increase:
IX.
“I who long since had, happier far,
“Been by some fair caress’d;
“Had drunk the radiance of her eye,
“And panted on her breast?
X.
“What have I done, O wretch! that still
“This evil treatment meets;
“Or hast thou aught in lieu to give
“To those who lose my sweets?”
XI.
She said:—the Hawthorn thus reply’d,
“Fond pageant of an hour!
“Art _thou_ displeas’d because _I_ bloom,
“Though shelter’d by my pow’r?
XII.
“And know’st thou not that but for _me_
“Thy boasted bloom were vain;
“By grazing herds trod under foot,
“And level’d with the plain?
XIII.
“_Thee_ I protect; _myself_ am known
“Among the warlike race;
“Whom Nature arms with prompt defence
“Of most excelling grace.
XIV.
“Nor idly I these weapons wear,
“Nor idle is my bloom;
“One arms me for myself and thee;
“The other sheds perfume.
XV.
“And oft as this returning month
“Adds vigour to the year;
“Crown’d with my gems in rustic dance
“The nymphs and swains appear.
XVI.
“Me the fleet hare, and tim’rous fawn,
“Seek at their greatest need;
“They rest secure beneath my shade,
“And on my bounty feed.
XVII.
“But most the plaintive Philomel,
“Sweet warbler of the grove,
“Joys ’midst my branches to repose,
“And sing her hapless love.
XVIII.
“Against my thorns her bosom plac’d,
“She strains her tuneful throat;
“And by my useful aid exalts
“Each sweetly trilling note.
XIX.
“Sacred to FLORA, of her train
“Although no flow’r am I;
“And born to flourish many a moon,
“When thou shalt fade and die.”
XX.
“Cease then, nor envy this my state,
“Which must _thy own_ defend;
“The thorns I bear shall save thy flow’r,
“And prove thy surest friend.”
XXI.
So spake the HAWTHORN, justly wise;
The ROSE unansw’ring heard:
I caught the Moral, as it rose;
And thus its sense appear’d:
XXII.
_Life’s humble vale is most secure;_
_Cares on th’ exalted wait:_
_Yet those who well the weak protect_
_Deserve_ UNENVY’D STATE.
FABLE VI.
The WHITE ROSE and the RED.
I.
Contending beauties, whom the doom
Of Fate has still assign’d
Two fragrant rival flow’rs to blow,
And scent the western wind;
II.
The WHITE ROSE and the BLUSHING RED,
Each one the garden’s pride,
With equal grace their leaves display’d,
And flourish’d side by side.
III.
The _first_ of spotless beauty vain
That sudden caught the eye,
The _last_ attentive praise to gain
From her more sanguine dye.
IV.
Of sov’reign virtue both well known,
Both favour’d from above:
Still full of glory rose each flow’r,
Emblems of gentle Love.
V.
Yet ’twixt their stocks wild feuds subsist,
To work them lasting woe;
Whilst each of other still complain’d,
And strove her overthrow.
VI.
“Shame, said the RED, on that pale hue,
“Which speaks the wearer’s heart;
“That, void of virtue as of grace,
“No colour can impart.
VII.
“Unlike the blushes that adorn
“My flow’r with colour meet,
“AURORA’S, when she wakes the day,
“Appear not half so sweet.”
VIII.
“Nay! Shame on thee, the White reply’d,
“Whose blush by _guilt_ was giv’n:
“Ev’n by the blood of VENUS shed,
“Our patroness in Heav’n[11].
IX.
“Till then like me all Roses were,
“Whose ancient stock I claim;
“And, void of crime, still reprobate
“Their colour with their name.”
X.
“This and much more she angry said:
“But JOVE’S immortal flow’r[12]
“Their ill-meant conversation broke,
“With soft, persuasive pow’r.
[11] According to the old Fable, the Rose was at first always white,
till Venus, while she was pursuing Adonis, scratched herself with its
thorns, and thereby stained it with her cœlestial blood.
[12] The Amaranth.
XI.
“Forbear, she cry’d, in haughty guise,
“Reproachful to contend:
“Whoe’er the victrix, small her gain,
“That thus can lose a friend.
XII.
“Ally’d by Nature in your kind,
“And diff’ring but in Hue:
“You both possess intrinsic worth,
“And outward beauty too.
XIII.
“Long was the strife your[13] ancient state,
“In this our isle pursu’d;
“Which many a year drench’d either Rose,
“In seas of kindred blood.
XIV.
“Oh! may no more such horrors rise,
“Within our Garden’s pale:
“But all with emulation strive,
“That concord may prevail!
[13] Alluding to the Civil Wars of York and Lancaster, in which the
White Rose and the Red were adopted as tokens or devices by their
different partisans.
XV.
“May civil feuds and ranc’rous hate
“From hence be banish’d far;
“Foul is that strife, where friends contest,
“And wage inhuman war.
XVI.
“Then to this solemn truth give ear;
“_Where trifles thus are priz’d,_
“_If two for victory contend;_
“_They both will be despis’d_.”
[Illustration: _Fab. VII. The Crocus_]
[Illustration: _Fab. VIII. Anemone & Passion Flower_]
FABLE VII.
The CROCUS.
I.
“Say, beauteous flow’r, whose burnish’d leaves
“With Spring’s own livery glow:
“In these bleak months, why dost thou chuse
“T’ adorn a waste of snow?
II.
“Say, dost thou grudge to summer-skies,
“That bloom divinely bright:
“Or, are thy beauties clearer seen,
“Through this thin Robe of White?
III.
“The Snow-drop, thy companion fair,
“As well thy foil might prove,
“And both might bloom in seasons sweet,
“And far from hence remove.
IV.
“To Summer’s gayer months benign;
“Should’st thou transfer thy reign,
“Thy beauties still would brighter glow,
“And doubly grace the plain.—”
V.
I said:—the lovely smiling flow’r,
The beauty of its race;
And friendly to the sons of men,
Reply’d with decent grace:
VI.
“Nature’s great book before thee set:
“She blames thee not to scan
“Her works on every side display’d,
“The fit employ of man.
VII.
“When Spring and Summer glad the earth,
“Ten thousand beauties bloom;
“And various flow’rs of brightest hue,
“Diffuse a rich perfume.
VIII.
“Autumn of fruits her tribute brings,
“With, yellow harvests crown’d;
“Then laugh the hills and vales, and meads
“With richest plenty crown’d.
IX.
“Winter, at length, with gloomy brow,
“Comes on to close the year;
“When flow’rs and fruits, and all their race,
“Almost extinct appear.
X.
“Yet still some few the gracious Pow’rs
“Permit of these to bloom:
“Nor heap alike all FLORA’S race,
“In one remorseless tomb.
XI.
“And soon as to the wat’ry Signs,
“The Sun retreats again;
“Then she my flamy dyes awakes,
“And bids me deck the plain.
XII.
“Nor less my worth because ’midst snows,
“My head I early rear;
“My flow’r still fresh and lively blooms,
“As at the closing year.
XIII.
“And know, when Autumn’s Sun prevails,
“My kindred flow’rs arise;
“In forms which heav’nly pow’rs might praise,
“And scent the ambient skies[14].
XIV.
“These ev’ry dismal gloom dispel;
“Which mis’ry can impart,
“And joy and gladness still inspire,
“And harmonize the heart.
XV.
“Meanwhile my earlier station here,
“(Health’s harbinger) I keep,
“To glad the sad and cloudy days;
“When Spring’s soft Zephyrs sleep.
[14] It is here to be noted that the autumnal Crocus is the Saffron
Flower, so famous in Medicine.
XVI.
“So, in the Winter of his days,
“Chear thou thy drooping friend;
“His sorrows sooth, his griefs assuage,
“And prompt assistance lend.
XVII.
“So, when his fate and fortune lour,
“Thy better aid impart;
“And with thy fortune’s warmer ray,
“Revive his dying heart.
XVIII.
She said;—the moral well became
The sweet, propitious flow’r;
I mark’d the lore with heedful mind,
And own’d fair FRIENDSHIP’S pow’r.
FABLE VIII.
The ANEMONE and the PASSION FLOWER.
I.
“Bright flow’r renown’d in ancient times,
“Amidst the Cyprian shades;
“The theme of wonder and of praise
“To soft Sidonian maids.
II.
“Hail! Goddess-born! hail! thou produc’d
“From the bright mingled flood
“Of VENUS’ tears, as bards have sung,
“And her ADONIS’ blood.
III.
“Rich are thy blossoms in each hue
“That can inchant the fight;
“And strike at once the ravish’d eye
“With wonder and delight.
IV.
“Hail! sacred Plant, born but to shew
“ADONIS’ yearly wound;
“By gentle VENUS taught to bloom,
“With heav’nly beauties crown’d.”
V.
I said; when lo; an awful form
Upon my orgies broke;
And, like some bright cœlestial pow’r,
In lofty accents spoke:
VI.
“Hence, thou profane; nor wound me thus
“With thy unhallow’d song;
“But turn, and see, who blossoms here,
“To whom thy strains belong.
VII.
“The Tyrian Boy, and VENUS’ self;
“Before my face shall fly;
“Their beauty gone, their lustre lost,
“And all their charms shall die.
VIII.
“I am the only flow’r on earth,
“With signs divine adorn’d;
“By me, of Heav’n thus favour’d high,
“All Pagan Gods are scorn’d.
IX.
“The purple ring, the bloody crown,
“The nails, and guilty spear,
“That slew the Lord of Life, behold
“In my symbolic sphere.
X.
“Deep to Lethéan shades my root
“Still downward seems to tend;
“As from the Cross’s sacred base,
“To Hell it would descend.
XI.
“Then here thy mis-plac’d rev’rence shew,
“And bow before this shrine;
“Where Angel Hosts themselves might pray,
“And own the Plant divine.”
XII.
She said; ADONIS’ flow’ret bow’d,
As to superior pow’r;
My conscious heart was struck with dread;
Before the wond’rous flow’r.
XIII.
But whilst intent my rev’rence there
With honour due to pay;
The heav’ns withdrew their useful light,
And clos’d the hours of day.
XIV.
I look’d;—no more those signs I saw,
Which had my rev’rence drawn:
For ever shut the mirrour stood[15],
Which thus had grac’d the lawn.
XV.
A while I gaz’d; at length I cry’d,
And art THOU mortal too?
Are all THY sacred beauties fled,
Or faded on the view?
[15] This flower opens in the morning, and fades away in the evening,
closing up, and never opening again.
XVI.
_Vain then is all external awe,_
_That images impart;_
_And_ HE _that rules above is best_
_Recorded in the_ HEART.
[Illustration: _Fab. IX. The Lily & Narcissus_]
[Illustration: _Fab. X. The Ivy & Sweet Briar_]
FABLE IX.
The LILY and NARCISSUS.
I.
“Ah! hapless discontented flow’r,
“That yellow leaves adorn;
“Who once in life’s gay vernal pride
“The brightest nymphs could’st scorn.
II.
“Hard was thy lot, and short thy date,
“By form too fair undone;
“Thou met’st, alas! a timeless doom,
“Ere half thy course was run.
III.
“Unhappy, self-admiring youth,
“A lesson thou shalt prove;
“T’ avoid vain pride, that idle toy,
“And shun prepost’rous love.
IV.
“Fair when a boy, now chang’d, no more
“Those beauties can’st thou boast;
“But ever sadly may’st repent
“In vain those beauties lost.
V.
“View yonder Lily’s snowy pride,
“Sprung from a seed divine;
“Then own how much her beauty bright,
“Fond flow’r, out-rivals thine!”
VI.
With modest grace the Lily bow’d
The honours of her head;
Then, with a sweet and modest grace,
She thus instructive said:
VII.
“Well may they droop, to whom their fate,
“With form divinely fair,
“No other, better boon has giv’n
“To make that beauty dear.
VIII.
“For not this glossy white I bear,
“Delight of human eyes;
“Nor this so graceful form admir’d,
“Are what I wish to prize.
IX.
“From heav’nly strain[16] I first arose,
“Emblem of chaste desires;
“And still that chastity retain,
“And check unhallow’d fires.
X.
“No empty self-admirer, I
“Would Folly’s trophies raise;
“Such _virtue_ then let all applaud,
“Not empty _beauty_ praise.”
[16] According to the Old Fable, Jupiter being willing to make Hercules
immortal, caused him to suck Juno while she was asleep; when the milk
gushing out into a great quantity, some of it being spilt upon the
sky, made the galaxy or milky way there, while the rest falling to the
earth, gave birth to the White Lily.
XI.
She said; and strait the moral found
Deep entrance in my breast;
BEAUTY, _if not with_ VIRTUE _join’d,_
_Is but an idle jest_.
FABLE X.
The IVY and SWEET BRIAR.
I.
“Hail, sacred IVY! hail,” I said,
“Devote to BACCHUS’ shrine;
“Parent of wreaths, which deck the brows
“Of Gods and men divine.
II.
“Why call thee baleful, why despise
“Thy ancient friendly race;
“Who clasp the Elm and sturdy Oak
“In mystical embrace.
III.
“MINERVA’S bird too deigns to dwell
“Where thou art frequent seen;
“Who loves the calm and peaceful hour,
“And courts the deep serene.
IV.
“Thou, like the Vine, thy patron’s joy,
“Thy nurture wilt receive,
“And, twining close with friendly arms,
“Wilt still supported live.
V.
“With PHŒBUS’ laurel justly thou
“May’st hold divided claim;
“The crown of glorious conquerors,
“And meed of deathless fame.”
VI.
Thus whilst I spoke, the West wind rose,
And scatter’d rich perfume,
From thickets, where sweet Eglantine
Appear’d in vernal bloom.
VII.
Thence a soft voice salutes my ear,
Which thus complaining said;
“Fond youth, to yonder noxious weed
“Why all these honours paid?
VIII.
“The Vine, ’tis true, will wed her Elm;
“But view the dow’r she brings!
“From yonder steril, forc’d embrace
“Alas! what profit springs?
IX.
“Like a false friend, too sure, she twines,
“Intent but to destroy;
“As Jealousy, Love’s offspring, still
“Impoisons all Love’s joy.
X.
“How poor that _virtue_, which retires
“To solitude for aid!
“_How weak that wisdom_, which can shine
“Alone in night’s dun shade!
XI.
“And what, though gods and godlike men
“Their victor brows have bound
“With ivy’d wreaths; is then the weed
“For that alone renown’d?
XII.
“Say rather, in that purer age,
“When spotless honour reign’d;
“The victor, seeking only fame,
“A worthless crown obtain’d.
XIII.
“Hence Ivy, Parsley, Oaken Boughs,
“Their labour well repaid,
“Who not for gain, but glory’s charms,
“Their gen’rous strength display’d.
XIV.
“But thou, regardful of fair truth,
“And glory justly gain’d;
“Scorn the frail claim of upstarts base,
“By such false means obtain’d.
XV.
“_Not borrow’d names from high descent,_
“_Are real honour’s meed;_
“_But they alone are_ GREAT, _whose fame_
“_Springs from_ THEIR OWN _fair deed_.”
[Illustration: _Fab. XI. The Violet Transplanted_]
[Illustration: _Fab. XII. The Tulip & Amaranth_]
FABLE XI.
The VIOLET TRANSPLANTED.
I.
Where fragrant field-flow’rs, gaily spread,
Drink deep the morning dew;
Close by a murm’ring riv’let’s side
An humble Vi’let grew.
II.
To her the cultur’d spot unknown,
She bloom’d in her retreat;
And there in native fragrance bless’d,
Dispers’d a world of sweet.
III.
But yet not undisturb’d her lot
By Providence was cast;
For oft’ the herds went grazing forth
And laid the meadow waste.
IV.
And oft’ the trav’ler’s careless step
Had laid her on the plain;
Yet, by the living streamlet fed,
She soon reviv’d again.
V.
At length a curious Florist saw
The sweetly blooming flow’r;
Call’d her the field’s and garden’s pride,
And plac’d her in his bow’r.
VI.
Here, with a thousand beauties rang’d,
Her elegance was lost;
No more the cultur’d spot she grac’d;
No more fair FLORA’S boast.
VII.
Abandon’d by his hand, who first
Her charms with pleasure view’d;
She in her rise beheld her fate,
And now neglected stood.
VIII.
She droop’d, she pin’d; the richer soil
No nurture could afford;
And oft’ in vain her humbler lot
The fading flow’r deplor’d.
IX.
The happier tribes that flourish’d round
Did each her state deride;
Rejoicing that she paid so dear
For what they deem’d her pride.
X.
The Sun in Cancer flam’d aloft
Dry thirst her moisture drank;
In vain she wish’d the lucent flood,
Or shade of osiers dank.
XI.
Oppress’d at length she drooping fell,
As ready to expire;
Her bosom unresisting spread
To Sol’s consuming fire.
XII.
When lo! from heav’n a gentle rain
Cool’d that too fervid ray;
And soon reviv’d the beauteous flow’r,
Which glow’d upon the day.
XIII.
Her bloom restor’d, renew’d again;
Her former lord attends;
And midst the fairest of the fair
She numbers now her friends.
XIV.
Yet, deeply struck with former ills,
An humble flow’r she blooms;
No pride that lovely bosom knows,
Whence ZEPHYR steals perfumes;
XV.
And to the Fair this useful truth
She evermore reveals;
_That she best knows her Beauty’s force,_
_Who modestly conceals_.
FABLE XII.
The TULIP and the AMARANTH.
I.
Where various beauties mingled rise,
All grateful to the view;
With variegated beauties bright,
A gaudy TULIP grew.
II.
Its leaves with flamy splendour shine,
Mix’d with more vivid green;
And all the tints that deck heav’n’s bow
Upon the flow’r are seen.
III.
The gently passing vernal air
The beauteous plant caress’d;
And ZEPHYR ever pleas’d reclin’d
Upon the charmer’s breast.
IV.
While near at hand the GENTLE FLOW’R,
Call’d AMARANTH, below
The blooming guest of JOVE’S own seats,
Deign’d in her prime to grow.
V.
Yet she with hairs uncouthly deck’d,
Unlike the Tulip race,
Is not among the flowr’ets found,
Whose colours mark their grace.
VI.
This swell’d her rival’s empty pride,
And, vain of empty shew;
The Amaranth askance she ey’d,
And thus contemptuous spoke;
VII.
“Of all the flow’rs that deck the lawn,
“The progeny of Spring;
“And all that of maturer birth
“The later seasons bring:
VIII.
“Of all that for their fairer forms
“May raise the justest claim;
“Of all that men for beauty prize,
“Or from perfection name:
IX.
“Behold me, first and fairest known,
“Still lov’d and valu’d most;
“Soft daughter of the vernal hour,
“The cultur’d garden’s boast.
X.
“Why deign I then so long with _these_
“To dwell without reserve;
“That scarce, though vulgar eyes they charm,
“The name of FLOW’R deserve?”
XI.
The blooming Amaranth, unmov’d,
Repress’d her forward pride;
The boaster’s arrogance despis’d,
And wisely thus reply’d;
XII.
“Yes, gaudy thing; thy various hues
“Are fine indeed and gay;
“Glaring thou glitter’st on the sight,
“And flaunt’st it to the day!
XIII.
“No flow’r around more bright can blow,
“In beauty more mature!
“But tell me, false, frail, giddy thing,
“How long shall that endure?
XIV.
“Me, not the least of FLORA’S tribe,
“Me thou hast laugh’d to scorn,
“And deem’d my claim to beauty vain,
“Although cœlestial born.
XV.
“For know, though scarce allow’d by thee
“To rank among the flow’rs;
“From Heav’n I draw my high descent,
“And bloom’d in Eden’s bow’rs.
XVI.
“And still eternal is my race,
“No frail decay I know;
“But, emblem of the first great Spring,
“For ever bloom below.
XVII.
“But thou! the pageant of an hour,
“Too quickly shalt deplore
“Those beauties with’ring all away,
“Which fade, to charm no more.
XVIII.
“_Thou_, wretch! no second Spring shalt see,
“To renovate thy bloom;
“Whilst _I_ survive the stroke of fate,
“And triumph o’er the tomb.
XIX.
“Cease then thy boast! in Wisdom’s lore
“Go learn thyself to know;
“And by _her_ never-failing rule
“Judge all things here below.
XX.
“_A fleeting joy, a fading bloom,_
“_May charm the ravish’d sight;_
“_That only which is truly good,_
“_Is lasting, as ’tis bright._”
[Illustration: _Fab. XIII. The Youth & Honeysuckle_]
[Illustration: _Fab. XIV. Belinda & the Blue-bell or Venus’s Looking
Glass_]
FABLE XIII.
THE HONEYSUCKLE.
I.
At height of noon, a youth reclin’d
Beneath a woodbine bow’r;
Defended by whose thick’ning shade,
He pass’d the sultry hour,
II.
But when mild breezes cool’d the air,
And length’ning shadows rose;
He scann’d with philosophic mind
The place of his repose.
III.
High over-head the twining boughs,
Where thousand blossoms glow,
Of ev’ry beam of light bereave
The cool alcove below.
IV.
“Ah! (said the youth) ungrateful still!
“And dost thou thus repay
“The bounties of that glorious God,
“Who wak’d thee into day?
V.
“While he in his meridian course
“Illumines wide the sky;
“Dost thou, O wretch, resist his pow’r,
“And all his beams defy?
VI.
“Unlike to thee, ingrate, behold
“The Sun-flow’r drinks his light;
“Lives, to his radiance ever true,
“And with him sinks to night.
VII.
“But like some faithless fav’rite you,
“Or some more faithless fair;
“Spurn at the very pow’r that grac’d,
“And made you what you are.
VIII.
“Oh! useful lesson to be learn’d,
“With scanty hand to pour
“Those blessings, which, when once conferr’d,
“Shall ne’er be thought on more!”
IX.
Unmov’d the beauteous Woodbine heard,
Then, nodding from on high,
Shook the green honours of her brow,
As thus she made reply:
X.