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.
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
“Their ill-meant conversation broke,
“With soft, persuasive pow’r.