"The Lily and the Rose"

The nymph must lose her female friend,
  If more admired than she;
But where will fierce contention end,
  If Flowers can disagree?

Within the garden’s peaceful scene
  Appeared two lovely foes,
Aspiring to the rank of Queen—
  The Lily and the Rose.

The Rose soon reddened into rage;
  And, swelling with disdain,     
Appealed to many a Poet’s Page,
  To prove her right to reign.

The Lily’s height bespoke command;
  A fair imperial flower,
She seemed designed for Flora’s hand,        
  The sceptre of her power!

This civil bick’ring and debate
  The Goddess chanced to hear;
And flew to save, ere yet too late,
  The pride of the parterre!
        
‘Yours is,’ she said, ‘the noblest hue;
  And yours, the statelier mien;
And, till a third surpasses you,
  Let each be deemed a Queen!’

Thus soothed and reconciled, each seeks       
  The fairest British Fair;
The seat of empire is her cheeks,
  They reign united there.

Poem first published in 1782, in a collection entitled 'Poems by William Cowper of the Inner Temple, Esq.' (1731 - 1800)


My brother-in-law gave Mum a gorgeous bouquet of Roses, Lilies, Sweet Williams and Carnations when he arrived here this morning.  My niece, my sister and my sister's friend were also here with us.  A busy couple of hours ensued, but a great deal was satisfactorily achieved followed by a very enjoyable lunch out.