C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
From SarbiewskiSapphics to a Rose
By Sir John Bowring (17921872)
[Intended to be used in the garlands for decorating the head of the Virgin Mary.]
R
Bright as the stars, and delicate and lovely,
Lift up thy head above thy earthly dwelling,
Daughter of heaven!
Zephyr invites thee,—frosts and snows of winter
All are departed, and Favonian breezes
Welcome thee smiling.
Round the fair brow of some belovèd maiden?
Pure though she be, unhallowed temple never,
Flow’ret! shall wear thee.
Thou shouldst be flung upon a shrine eternal—
Thou shouldst be twined among the golden ringlets
Of the pure Virgin.