Classic Poem

While rich in brightest Red the blushing Rose
Her freshest op'ning Beauties did disclose;
Her, the rough Thistle from a neighb'ring Field,
With fond Desires and Lover's Eyes beheld:
Straight the fierce Plant lays by his pointed Darts,
And wooes the gentle Flow'r with softer Arts.
Kindly she heard, and did his Flame approve,
And own'd the Warrior worthy of her Love,
Flora whose happy Laws the Seasons guide,
Who does in Fields and painted Meads preside,
And crowns the Gardens with their flow'ry Pride,
With Pleasure saw the wishing Pair combine,
To favor what their Goddess did design,
And bid them in eternal U NION join.
Henceforth, she said, in each returning Year,
One Stem the Thistle and the Rose shall bear:
The Thistle 's lasting Grace, thou, O my Rose! shalt be,
The Warlike Thistle 's Arms , a sure Defence to Thee .