The poppies have stood on their toes;

But long before mention of Moses

Her rivals have flouted the rose.

Oh! Sweetness a-sway by the settle,

Be still on thy beautiful stem;

For love never clung to the nettle—

The nettle that burns to condemn.

Fear not for a moment’s defection,

Though pansies and poppies may pose;

For after a bit of reflection