Classic Poem

Who owns not she's peerless — who calls her not fair —
Who questions the beauty of Rosalie Clare?
Let him saddle his courser and spur to the field,
And though harness'd in proof, he must perish or yield;
For no gallant can splinter — no charger may dare
The lance that is couch'd for young Rosalie Clare.

When goblets are flowing, and wit at the board
Sparkles high, while the blood of the red grape is pour'd,
And fond wishes for fair ones around offer'd up
From each lip that is wet with the dew of the cup, —
What name on the brimmer floats oftener there,
Or is whisper'd more warmly, than Rosalie Clare?

They may talk of the land of the olive and vine —
Of the maids of the Ebro, the Arno, or Rhine; —
Of the Houris that gladden the East with their smiles,
Where the sea's studded over with green summer isles;
But what flower of far-away clime can compare
With the blossom of ours — bright Rosalie Clare?

Who owns not she's peerless — who calls her not fair?
Let him meet but the glances of Rosalie Clare!
Let him list to her voice — let him gaze on her form —
And if, hearing and seeing, his soul do not warm,
Let him go breathe it out in some less happy air
Than that which is bless'd by sweet Rosalie Clare.