A whispered word among them goes
Of how the Lily flouts the Rose,
Suitors for Summer’s favor dear,
To win the crown of all the year—
And how each champion brave would fight,
Queen Summer to decide the right.
Then shrill the wind-winged heralds blew;
The lists were set in Summer’s view,
With blazoned shields, & pennons spruce
Of fluttering flag & fleur-de-luce: