Debitae nymphis opifex coronae.-Hor. <br /> <br />Imitation. <br /> <br />Constructor of the tributary wreath <br />For rural maids. <br /> <br /> <br />Bring, Flora, bring thy treasures here, <br />The pride of all the blooming year; <br />And let me thence a garland frame, <br />To crown this fair, this peerless dame! <br />But, ah! since envious Winter lowers, <br />And Hewell meads resign their flowers, <br />Let Art and Friendship's joint essay <br />Diffuse their flowerets in her way. <br />Not Nature can, herself, prepare <br />A worthy wreath for Lesbia's hair, <br />Whose temper, like her forehead, smooth, <br />Whose thoughts and accents form'd to soothe, <br />Whose pleasing mien, and make refined, <br />Whose artless breast, and polish'd mind, <br />From all the nymphs of plain or grove, <br />Deserved and won by Plymouth's love!<br /><br />William Shenstone<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/written-in-a-flower-book-of-my-own-colouring-designed-for-lady-plymouth/
