Maiden! first did Nature seek

Lilies for thy spotless cheek;

When with roses came she next

Half delighted, yet more vex’d,

For the lilies there, to see

Blushing at their purity!

Since her labor now was lost,

Roses to the wind she tost.

One, a bud of smiling June,

Falling on thy lips, as soon

Left its color, and in death

Willed its fragrance to thy breath!

Then two drops of crystalled dew

From the hyacinth’s deep hue,

Brought she for thine eyes of blue;

And lest they should miss the sun,

Bade thy soul to shine thereon.

Lilies, Nature gave thy face—

Say, thy heart do lilies grace?