Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 1.pdf/91

Such rich profusion; some as yet
Mere buds, which therefore ne’er had met1710
Rude Boreas’ kiss, while others were
Half opened, and such beauty rare
Displayed as no man would despise
Who once thereon had cast his eyes,
For roses which are broadly blown
Ere long begin to cast adown
Their petals, while the tender new
Fresh buds, as yet untouched by dew,
Will keep their beauty while the sun
His race through three full days doth run.1720
What ardent longing in my breast
These buds inspired! Whoso possessed
The power to pluck but one, right fain
Must be such glorious prize to gain,
And might I but secure a crown
Thereof, I would forego renown
One surpassing Rose-bud And fortune fair. Amongst them all,
My rapturous eyes on one did fall,
Whose perfect loveliness outvied
All those beside it. I espied1730
With joy its lovely petals, which
Kind Nature’s hand had dyed with rich
Deep crimson hue. Its perfect leaves
Were formed of two quadruple sheaves,
Which side by side stood firm and fair,
W^ith stalk strong grown enough to bear
The full-grown bloom which did not bend
Or languish, but most sweetly spend
Its fragrance on the air around
And wrapt my senses in profound1740