Queen Rose

The jessamine shows like a star;
The lilies sway like sceptres slim;
Fair clematis from near and far

Sets forth its wayward tangled whim;
Curved meadowsweet blooms rich and dim;-
But yet a rose is fairer far.

The jessamine is odorous; so
Maid-lilies are, and clematis;
And where tall meadowsweet-flowers grow

A rare and subtle perfume is; --
What can there be more choice than these?-
A rose when it doth bud and blow.

Let others choose sweet jessamine,
Or weave their lily-crown aright,
And let who love it pluck and twine

Loose clematis, or draw delight
From meadowsweets' cluster downy white --
The rose, the perfect rose, be mine.