Classic Poem

Who shall possess the whole of any flower, —
Both petals, leaves, and fragrance that abides
In the sweet golden core where God resides,
Casting that fragrance forth with lavish power?
Man doth possess a woman for an hour: —
Upon her ample bosom's roseate tides
Softly and sweetly for a month he rides;
Then winter shakes the rose-leaves from his bower.

How shall we grasp in one excessive bliss
The beauty and fragrance that the world has seen,
Even from the rose-red blossom of Eve's kiss
To the rare laughter of the Egyptian queen,
Enclosing, sacred shuddering palms atween,
The imperial pure significance of this?