Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CAMELLIA, by WILLIAM STANLEY ROSCOE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CAMELLIA, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As venus wandered 'midst the idalian bower
Last Line: "that boasts no fragrance, and conceals no thorn."" --"
Subject(s): Camellias


As Venus wandered 'midst the Idalian bower,
And marked the loves and graces round her play;
She plucked a musk-rose from its dew-bent spray,
"And this," she cried, "shall be my favorite flower;
For o'er its crimson leaflets I will shower
Dissolving sweets to steal the soul away;
That Dian's self shall own their sovereign sway,
And feel the influence of my mightier power."
Then spoke fair Cynthia, as severe she smiled, --
"Be others by thy amorous arts beguiled,
Ne'er shall thy dangerous gifts these brows adorn:
To me more dear than all their rich perfume
The chaste camellia's pure and spotless bloom,
That boasts no fragrance, and conceals no thorn." --





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