The Lily and the Rose
William Cowper
1731 to 1800
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The nymph must lose her female friend,
If more than she—
But where will fierce contention end,
If can disagree.
Within the garden's peaceful scene
Appear'd two foes,
Aspiring to the rank of queen,
The Lily the Rose.
The Rose soon redden'd into rage,
And, with disdain,
Appeal'd to many a poet's page
To her right to reign.
The Lily's height bespoke command,
fair imperial flower;
She seem'd designed for Flora's hand,
sceptre of her power.
This civil bick'ring and debate
goddess chanced to hear,
And flew to save, ere too late,
The pride of the parterre.
Yours is, said, the nobler hue,
And yours the statelier mien;
And, till a third surpasses you,
Let each be deemed queen.
Thus, soothed and reconciled, each seeks
The fairest fair:
The seat of empire is her cheeks,
They united there.