English'd by the AUTHOR

While rich in brightest Red, the blushing Rose Her freshest op'ning Beauties did disclose; Her, the rough Thistle, from a neighb'ring Field, With fond Desires and Lovers Eyes beheld: Streight the fierce Plant lays by his pointed Darts, And woes the gentle Flower with softer Arts. Kindly she heard, and did his Flame approve, And own'd the Warrior worthy of her Love. FLORA, whose happy Laws the Seasons guide, Who does in Fields and painted Meads preside, And crowns the Gardens with their Flow'ry Pride, With Pleasure saw the wishing Pair combine To favour what their Goddess did design, And bid 'em in Eternal UNION join. Henceforth, she said, in each returning Year, One Stem the Thistle and the Rose shall bear: The Thistle's lasting Grace, Thou, O my Rose! shalt be, The warlike Thistle's Arms, a sure Defence to Thee.