The jessamine shows like a star; The lilies sway like sceptres slim; Fair clematis from near and far Sets forth its wayward tangled whim; Curved meadowsweet blooms rich and dim; -- But yet a rose is fairer far. The jessamine is odorous; so Maid lilies are, and clematis; And where tall meadowsweet flowers grow A rare and subtle perfume is; -- What can there be more choice than these? -- A rose when it doth bud and blow. Let others choose sweet jessamine, Or weave their lily crown aright, And let who love it pluck and twine Loose clematis; or draw delight From meadowsweet's clustry downy white; -- The rose, the perfect rose be mine. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE FORCE OF LOVE by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES ON A CURATE'S COMPLAINT OF HARD DUTY by JONATHAN SWIFT A MATCH by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE MUNUSCULUM by WHEATON H. BREWER BEER by CHARLES STUART CALVERLEY CHILDREN: THE BOY-CHILD by MARY AINGE DE VERE |