The LARKSPUR and the MYRTLE.
I.
Fav’rite of MARS, amidst the tribes
That on bright FLORA wait,
And swell the glories of her reign
With more than regal state;
II.
The Larkspur, plant of ancient stock,
Advanc’d his ensign high;
And claim’d th’ immortal wreath of fame,
Due to a Deity.
III.
Like some bold warrior’s is his mien;
Helmet and spurs he wears;
And on his coat of vary’d dyes
Each warlike blazon bears.
IV.
Proud of his form, and of the Pow’r
That from his contact sprung;
Exalted above all his peers,
Thus Pride inspir’d his tongue:
V.
“Ye painted, puling race, avaunt!
“To greater merit yield;
“Forego the honours of the day,
“When I dispute the field.
VI.
“Far hence your tinsel trappings bear
“To some luxuriant bed,
“Where, nurs’d by ZEPHYR’S wanton gales,
“Their idle bloom may spread!
VII.
“In ME behold the warrior’s grace,
“And monarch’s pow’r display’d;
“In me, to Heav’n itself ally’d,
“In martial pomp array’d.