THE rose bud that grew by the settle, Bowed low to the gossiping thrusts; The poet was praising the nettle, The nettle that nobody trusts. The pansies were painted in postures, The poppies have stood on their toes; But long before mention of Moses Her rivals have flouted the rose. Oh! Sweetness a-sway by the settle, Be still on thy beautiful stem; For love never clung to the nettle— The nettle that burns to condemn. Fear not for a moment's defection, Though pansies and poppies may pose; For after a bit of reflection The rover returns to the rose. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VARIATIONS ON A THEME: ROMANCE by EDITH SITWELL QUATRAIN: FATE by RALPH WALDO EMERSON PLAIN LANGUAGE FROM TRUTHFUL JAMES by FRANCIS BRET HARTE EXHORTATION TO PRAYER by MARGARET MERCER FROM THE ANTIQUE (2) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |