The Flowers' Defect

If the flowers we pluck this virtue had,
That they varied at their will,
Suiting men and women well or ill
As the wearer's heart was good or bad;

Women then men's nature might descry,
Men might judge of women too;
Then would all who were not pure and true,
Have to wear their wreath of flowers awry.

No such power, alas, do they possess!
All who please may pluck them now.
So with many a wreath that decks a brow
Rudeness, too, is shown and wantonness.