You rosebud sweet and fair
You rosebud sweet and fair!
Close to, let me inspect you!
Each man must needs respect you,
In you all nature’s art
And splendour dwell apart;
Each petal’s coloured feather
Leaves us uncertain whether
Apparel neat and trim
Says more than splendour’s whim:
A maze where coloured petals –
In paths where each unsettles –
Add fragrance to the air;
You rosebud sweet and fair!
Today, alas, you’re gone,
But yesterday with pleasure
I viewed your thorn-borne treasure;
I plucked you, whereupon
Today, alas, you’re gone.
Your bright shades fade and pall
Your dull red tells me all
Your glory is but brief
Your beauty held in fief;
You jewel of nature’s crown,
Where now is your fine gown?
Your blossoming is done,
Today, alas, you’re gone.
Come, Phyllis, come and see
My rose does now invite you;
Your beauty won’t requite you;
Come, Phyllis, come and see!
Your image view quite freely!
All that’s a source of pleasure
Cheeks crimson beyond measure,
That mouth, its honeyed ploy
Those eyes, their sparkling joy
That neat body, those neat hands
That every favour do command
Do fade; come, Phyllis, see
Your image view quite freely!
One beauty outlasts others –
When all else only withers –
And years and age outweathers,
And gains eternal vales
One beauty never fails.
Virtue, Phyllis, its name,
Seek it ere time’s no claim!
And that a spirit true
May dwell as is its due,
Live but to praise your maker
In virtue be its taker!
So when all else does wither,
Your beauty lasts forever.
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