this rose-tree is not made to bear

the violet blue, nor lily fair,

nor the sweet mignonette;

and if this tree were discontent

or wish’d to change its natural bent,

it all in vain would fret.

and should it fret, you would suppose

it ne’er had seen its own red rose,

nor after gentle shower

had ever smell’d its rose’s scent,

or it could ne’er be discontent

with its own pretty flower.

like such a blind and senseless tree

as i’ve imagined this to be,

all envious persons are:

with care and culture all may find

some pretty flower in their own mind,

some talent that is rare.