The Rose

SWEET, serene, sky-like flower, Haste to adorn the bower; From thy long cloudy bed, Shoot forth thy damask head.

New-startled blush of Flora, The grief of pale Aurora (Who will contest no more), Haste, haste to strew her floor!

Vermilion ball that’s given From lip to lip in Heaven; Love’s couch’s coverled, Haste, haste to make her bed.

Dear offspring of pleased Venus And jolly, plump Silenus, Haste, haste to deck the hair Of the only sweetly fair!

See! rosy is her bower, Her floor is all this flower Her bed a rosy nest By a bed of roses pressed.

But early as she dresses, Why fly you her bright tresses? Ah! I have found, I fear,— Because her cheeks are near.

ANDREW MARVELL 1620–1678