You rosebud sweet and fair!
Close to, let me inspect you!
Each man must needs respect you,
In you all natures art
And splendour dwell apart;
Each petals coloured feather
Leaves us uncertain whether
Apparel neat and trim
Says more than splendours whim:
A maze where coloured petals
In paths where each unsettles
Add fragrance to the air;
You rosebud sweet and fair!
Today, alas, youre gone,
But yesterday with pleasure
I viewed your thorn-borne treasure;
I plucked you, whereupon
Today, alas, youre 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 natures crown,
Where now is your fine gown?
Your blossoming is done,
Today, alas, youre gone.
Come, Phyllis, come and see
My rose does now invite you;
Your beauty wont requite you;
Come, Phyllis, come and see!
Your image view quite freely!
All thats 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 times 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.
