by John Keats
As late I rambled in the happy fields,
What time the skylark shakes the tremulous dew
From his lush clover covert; ~ when anew
Adventurous knights take up their dinted shields:
I saw the sweetest flower wild nature yields,
A fresh-blown musk rose; 'twas the first that threw
Its sweets upon the summer: graceful it grew
As is the wand that queen Titaniz wields.
And, as I feasted on its fragrancy:
I thought the garden rose it far excell'd:
But when, O Wells! thy roses came to me
My sense with their deliciousness was spell'd:
Soft voices had they, that with tender plea
Whisper'd of peace, and truth, and friendliness
Unquell'd.
~ John Keats (1795-1821) English Romantic PoetTo a friend who sent Keats some roses.
