The Rose

Portrait of Richard Lovelace
Richard Lovelace 1617–1657

Sweet serene sky-like flower, Haste to adorn her 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 coverlet, 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.

Keep reading

Discover more of Richard Lovelace’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.