Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FLOWERS, by ANTHONY WHISTLER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FLOWERS, by                    
First Line: Let sages with superfluous pains
Last Line: Ye cannot fail to please.
Subject(s): Flowers


Let sages with superfluous pains
The learned page devour;
While Florio better knowledge drains
From each instructive flower.

His favourite Rose his fear alarms,
All opening to the sun;
Like vain coquettes who spread their charms,
And shine, to be undone.

The Tulip, gaudy in its dress,
And made for naught but show,
In every sense may well express
The glittering, empty beau!

The Snowdrop first but peeps to light,
And fearful shows its head;
Thus modest merit shines more bright,
By self-distrust misled.

Th'Auric'la, which through labour rose,
Yet shines compleat by art,
The force of education shows
How much it can impart.

He marks the Sensitive's nice fit;
Nor fears he to proclaim,
If each man's darling vice were hit,
That he would act the same.

Beneath each common hedge, he views
The Violet with care;
Hinting we should not worth refuse,
Although we find it there.

The Tuberose that lofty springs,
Nor can support its height,
Well represents imperious kings,
Grown impotent by might.

Fragrant, though pale, the Lily blows;
To teach the female breast
How virtue can its sweets disclose
In all complexions drest.

To every bloom that crowns the year,
Nature some charm decrees;
Learn hence, ye nymphs, her face to wear,
Ye cannot fail to please.





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