THE ROSE[45:1]
Reading edition
THE ROSE[45:1]
As late each flower that sweetest blows I pluck'd, the Garden's pride! Within the petals of a Rose A sleeping Love I spied. Around his brows a beamy wreath 5 Of many a lucent hue; All purple glow'd his cheek, beneath, Inebriate with dew. I softly seiz'd the unguarded Power, Nor scared his balmy rest: 10 And placed him, caged within the flower, On spotless Sara's breast. But when unweeting of the guile Awoke the prisoner sweet, He struggled to escape awhile 15 And stamp'd his faery feet. Ah! soon the soul-entrancing sight Subdued the impatient boy! He gazed! he thrill'd with deep delight! Then clapp'd his wings for joy. 20 [46]'And O!' he cried—'Of magic kind What charms this Throne endear! Some other Love let Venus find— I'll fix my empire here.'[46:1]
1793.
FOOTNOTES:
LINENOTES:
Title] On presenting a moss rose to Miss F. Nesbitt. MS. (pencil). Effusion xxvi. 1796.
[
5
]
beamy] lucent MS. E: lucid Letter, 1793.
[
6
]
lucent] changing MS. E: mingled Letter, 1793.
[
12
]
On lovely Nesbitt's breast. MS. (pencil). On Angelina's breast. Letter, 1793. On spotless Anna's breast. MS. E.
[Probably Anna Buclé, afterwards Mrs. Cruikshank.]
[
13
]
But when all reckless Letter, 1793.
[
14
]
prisoner] slumberer Letter, 1793.
[
16
]
faery] angry Letter, 1793.
[
21-2
]
'And, O', he cried, 'What charms refined This magic throne endear
Letter, 1793, MS. E.
[
23
]
Another Love may Letter, 1793.