LILY of white innocence, and sweet red rose, Two sisters side by side—alike And yet how different! O flower of purity and honor's crown, Thou need'st not leaves to shield thy form; A silent virtue wreath'd in fragrant beauty Guards thee well. But thou, O flower of passion, red, red rose, Young Cupid's blood thy veins distending, Thy heart so oft is pierced by love Thou needest thorns around thee. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OLNEY HYMNS: 9. THE CONTRITE HEART by WILLIAM COWPER INTELLECT by RALPH WALDO EMERSON TO THE VIRGINS, TO MAKE MUCH OF TIME by ROBERT HERRICK MEN AND BOYS by KARL THEODORE KORNER TO MY MOTHER SLEEPING by MARY RUSSELL MITFORD |