BESSIE.
(With a red rose.)
And this one will outshine them all;
Amid the garden's rare
And splendid flowers, it raised its head,
The brightest blossom there.
All decked with dew like gems, its robe
Of royal crimson glows—
The matchless queen of summer-time,
The beautiful red rose!
CHARLOTTE.
(With a white rose.)
But this to me is lovelier far,
So pure and sweet it seems;
Among the green leaves on the bough
Like fallen snow it gleams.
Its breath gives perfume to the wind,
As over it it blows;
'Tis stainless as an angel's wings,
The fragrant, fair white rose.
DELIA.
(With a yellow rose.)
And this, to greet the early morn,
In yellow mantle shone,
Bright as is China's emperor
Upon his dazzling throne.
It opens wide its golden leaves,
Its gleaming heart it shows,—
A sunshine-loving, cheery thing,
The winsome yellow rose!
EVA.
(With a brier rose.)