Classic Poem

I .

The Lily watched the stately Rose
And envied her her bloom
" I wait, " she said, " in white repose,
I might be in my tomb
The Rose is sweet, the Rose is red,
Her lover is the Sun:
But I — I might as well be dead!
I'm loved and sought of none!

I never shall be happy,
I never shall be red!
The Rose has won my sweetheart,
I might as well be dead. "

II .

But oh! one marvellous morning came;
The Sun passed by the Rose;
He said, " I seek in love to-day
The sweetest flower that blows.
A rose is sweet, a rose is red,
Adorned with endless art, —
But as for me, I've sworn to wed
Nought but a lily's heart
I never shall be happy "

— So sang the Sun so bright —
" Without my love, my Lily,
So tender and so white. "