Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LILY AND THE ROSE, by VICTORIEN SARDOU


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LILY AND THE ROSE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A secret I wish to disclose
Last Line: United to form a bouquet.
Subject(s): Flowers; Lilies; Roses


A secret I wish to disclose,
A mystery's heart to lay bare:
We take for example a Rose
And a Lily with virginal air.
The Lily said: "Exquisite Rose!
If I dared,—but I fear to propose,"
Then the Rose murmured, "Pray do not fear;
One must dare, a little, my dear!"
And this is the way that the Rose
And the Lily their feelings disclose:
The Lily and Rose in this way
A subtle discretion display.

The Lily then said,—I suppose
Her speech is abridged by design,—
"I would love, O most exquisite Rose,
To mingle my perfume with thine!"
The Rose answered, "Nobody knows
Good reason your wish to oppose;
But if such a wish is sincere,
Come closer, a little, my dear!"
Thus matters soon came to a close
Between the coy Lily and Rose;
The Rose and the Lily this way
United to form a bouquet.





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