Fair damask roses! that, from year to year,
Blush in your beauty on the busy street;
Thanks to the unknown hand that placed you here,
And made the spot with bloom and fragrance sweet.
The sun's hot rays upon the pavement beat,
Where not a blade of grass, or flower, can grow;
But you, within your pleasant, green retreat,
More pleasure give than garden's beauteous show.
How many from the sight have borne away
Some glad remembrance of your gorgeous bloom,
How many, in the sultry summer's day,
Borne on the air, have caught your sweet perfume!
Through coming years may still your beauties last,
And fragrant make the future as the past.