The CARNATION and SOUTHERNWOOD.
I.
Rich in a thousand beauteous dyes,
The sweet CARNATION stood;
While with a proud disdainful eye
The SOUTHERNWOOD she view’d.
II.
“Great is thy Pride,” the flow’r exclaim’d,
“To place thee near my side;
“For ev’n to grow in this retreat,
“Argues thy matchless pride.
III.
“Say, what art thou, thyself no flow’r,
“That dar’st intrude thee here;
“’Midst plants fit for a prince’s bow’r,
“Flow’rs fit for kings to wear?
IV.
“Whate’er I am,” the Plant reply’d,
“My post I well maintain;
“And chearful lend my needful aid,
“Where thine, alas! were vain.
V.
“Say, could thy flow’rs of brightest dye
“Infection’s force withstand?
“Ah! what could all thy beauties do,
“If plagues laid waste the land?
VI.
“Mean as I am, the task is mine,
“To purge th’ unwholesome air;
“To clear the brain, the blood refine,
“And seat HYGEIA there.