Classic Poem

The Laurel started the affair,
Calling the Rose a vain coquette.
The Rose replied she did not care
What people thought, outside her set.

" Faith, you speak true! " the Laurel cried,
" Roses and Laurels only meet
When on the Hero's head we ride,
And you are tossed beneath his feet. "

The Rose retorted, " I could name
More than one Hero who threw down
His precious Laurel wreath of fame
For just one Rose from Beauty's crown. "

The Laurel frowned, " 'Tis as you say,
And yet it cannot be gainsaid,
Their Laurels are undimmed to-day
Save by the Folly of that trade. "

" Your reasoning's false! " exclaimed the Rose,
" Your premises are falser yet;
Your sentiment is all a pose!
Besides — you are not in my set! "

MORAL

'Twixt Duty, here below, and Love,
Alas! we see a great gulf fixed;
Perhaps they're Introduced Above —
In Heaven, society is mixed.