Love

On presenting to a Lady a White Rose and a Red on the Tenth of June

by William Somervile 1675–1742

From Occasional Poems (1727)

Love

If this pale Rose offend your Sight,
It in your Bosom wear;
'Twill blush to find itself less white,
And turn Lancastrian there.

But, Celia, should the Red be chose,
With gay Vermilion bright;
'Twould sicken at each Blush that glows,
And in Despair turn White.

Let Politicians idly prate,
Their Babels build in vain;
As uncontrolable as Fate,
Imperial Love shall reign.

Each haughty Faction shall obey,
And Whigs, and Tories join,
Submit to your Despotick Sway,
Confess your Right Divine.

Yet this (my gracious Monarch) own,
They're Tyrants that oppress;
'Tis Mercy must support your Throne,
And 'tis like Heav'n to Bless.

MLA

Somervile, William. “On presenting to a Lady a White Rose and a Red on the Tenth of June.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/somervile/0/.

Chicago

Somervile, William. “On presenting to a Lady a White Rose and a Red on the Tenth of June.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/somervile/0/.

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