William Habington

Here you will find the Poem To Roses in the Bosom of Castara of poet William Habington

To Roses in the Bosom of Castara

YE blushing virgins happy are 
   In the chaste nunnery of her breasts-- 
For he'd profane so chaste a fair, 
   Whoe'er should call them Cupid's nests. 

Transplanted thus how bright ye grow! 
   How rich a perfume do ye yield! 
In some close garden cowslips so 
   Are sweeter than i' th' open field. 

In those white cloisters live secure 
   From the rude blasts of wanton breath!-- 
Each hour more innocent and pure, 
   Till you shall wither into death. 

Then that which living gave you room, 
   Your glorious sepulchre shall be. 
There wants no marble for a tomb 
   Whose breast hath marble been to me.