And bade the lovely maids draw nigh,

And each select some favour’d flow’r.

VIII.

The first, with radiant splendor charm’d,

A variegated Tulip chose:

The next, with love of beauty charm’d,

Preferr’d the sweetly-blushing Rose.

IX.

The third, who mark’d, with depth of thought,

How those bright Flow’rs must droop away,