THE rose bud that grew by the settle, Bowed low to the gossiping thrusts; The poet was praising the nettle, The nettle that nobody trusts. The pansies were painted in postures, The poppies have stood on their toes; But long before mention of Moses Her rivals have flouted the rose. Oh! Sweetness a-sway by the settle, Be still on thy beautiful stem; For love never clung to the nettle— The nettle that burns to condemn. Fear not for a moment's defection, Though pansies and poppies may pose; For after a bit of reflection The rover returns to the rose. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SIGISMONDA AND GUISCARDO by GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO THE OWL (1) by ALFRED TENNYSON TO THINK OF TIME by WALT WHITMAN THE MISTRESS; A SONG by JOHN WILMOT LATE AUTUMN by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM THE ART OF PRESERVING HEALTH: BOOK 1. AIR by JOHN ARMSTRONG |