Nature

The Rose and Lily (Sonnet)

by Philip Ayres 1638–1712

From Lyric Poems, Made in Imitation of the Italians (1687)

Nature

COurted by Cupids, and the Amorous Air,
Upon a shady Throne, at her Repose,
She sate, than whom, none e're so sweet or fair;
It was the Queen of Flowers, the Blushing Rose.

With no less pride, upon his Bed of State,
A Lily, pale with Envy, look'd that way;
With humble Flowers, encompass'd round he sate,
And scorn'd the Scepter at her Feet to lay.

To Arms, with Thorns and Prickles, they prepare,
And each designs to try it out by War;
Till on good Counsel, they in Rule combine:
So in your Face, the lovely White and Red,
Cynthia, I see, all Quarrels banished,
And Rose and Lily do in Empire joyne.

MLA

Ayres, Philip. “The Rose and Lily (Sonnet).” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/ayres/10/.

Chicago

Ayres, Philip. “The Rose and Lily (Sonnet).” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/ayres/10/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

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