Envy Poteet 1B by Mary Lamb Lyrics

This rose-tree is not made to bear
The violet blue, nor lily fair
Nor the sweet mignionet:
And if this tree were discontent
Or wished 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 smelled 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