The Tulip and the Violet

See yonder gaudy tulip rise,
And to the sun her leaves display;
My fancy gives her voice and eyes,
And thus the boaster seems to say.

"Queen of the gay parterre I reign;
"My glowing dyes, how bright they shine!
"The flow'rs unfold their bloom in vain;
"No flow'r has charms to rival mine.

"By nature meant for regal sway,
"Tall and majestic I appear;
"Ye subject tribes, your queen obey,
"My high command, submissive hear.

"When I unfold my matchless bloom,
"And to the noon my beauties spread;
"Let no aspiring flow'r presume
"Near me, to lift her abject head."

The flow'rs are silent while she speaks,
And only blush to hear her pride,
The silence now a Violet breaks,
That crept unheeded near her side,

"Thy arrogance, imperious flow'r,
"To real worth hath made thee blind;
"Thy vaunted beauties of an hour
"Are charms of an inferior kind.

"From thee no fragrant odours breathe,
"No healing gift thy leaves bestow;
"The flow'rs thou view'st with scorn beneath,
"Can more pretence to merit show.

"The cowslip's virtues, and my own,
"Let man, let grateful man confess;
"To him our real worth is known,
"Thee he admires but for thy dress."

The friendly hint, ye list'ning fair,
Reflection bids the muse apply;
Let useful virtues be your care,
Nor boast your power to please the eye.