Classic Poem

Thou new-born Rose, emerging from the dew,
Like Aphrodite, when the lovely bather
Blush'd from the sea, how fair thou art to view,
And fragrant to the smell! The Almighty Father
Implanted thee, that men of every hue,
Even a momentary joy might gather;
And shall he save one people, and pursue
Others to endless agony? O rather
Let me believe in thee, thou holy Rose,
Who dost alike thy lips of love unclose,
Be thy abode by saint or savage trod.
Thou art the priest whose sermons soothe our woes,
Preaching, with nature's tongue, from every sod,
Love to mankind, and confidence in God.