Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LILY AND ROSE by JOHANN GOTTFRIED VON HERDER

First Line: LILY OF WHITE INNOCENCE, AND SWEET RED ROSE
Last Line: THOU NEEDEST THORNS AROUND THEE.
Subject(s): FLOWERS; GARDENS & GARDENING; INNOCENCE; LILIES; ROSES; THORNS;
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.



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