The Quarrel

The Laurel started the affair, Calling the Rose a vain coquette. The Rose replied she did not care What people thought, outside her set.

“Faith, you speak true!” the Laurel cried, “Roses and Laurels only meet When on the Hero’s head we ride, And you are tossed beneath his feet.”

The Rose retorted, “I could name More than one Hero who threw down His precious Laurel wreath of fame For just one Rose from Beauty’s crown.”

The Laurel frowned, “’Tis as you say, And yet it cannot be gainsaid, Their Laurels are undimmed to-day Save by the Folly of that trade.”

“Your reasoning’s false!” exclaimed the Rose, “Your premises are falser yet; Your sentiment is all a pose! Besides--you are not in my set!”