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| The Soul of the Rose by John William Waterhouse |
| Queen Rose Christina Rosetti The jessamine shows like a star; The lilies sway like sceptres slim; Fair clematis from near and far Sets forth its wayward tangled whim; Curved meadowsweet blooms rich and dim; - But yet a rose is fairer far. The jessamine is odourous; so Maid lilies are, and clematis; And where tall meadowsweet flowers grow A rare and subtle perfume is; - What can there be more choice that these? - A rose when it doth bud and blow. Let others choose sweet jessamine, Or weave their lily crown aright, And let who love it pluck and twine Loose clematis; or draw delight From meadowsweet's clustry downy white; - The rose, the perfect rose be mine. |
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