SONNET -THE LOTUS

 Love came to Flora asking for a flower 
That would of flowers be undisputed queen; 

The Lily and the Rose long, long had been 

Rivals for that high honor. Bards of power 

Had sung their claims, "The Rose can never tower 

Like the pale Lily, with her Juno mien." 

"But is the Lily lovelier ?"Thus between 

Flower factions rang the strife in Psyche's bower. 

"Give me a flower delicious as the Rose, 

And stately as the Lily in her pride-" 

"But of what color?"  "Rose-red," Love first chose, 

Then prayed: "No, Lily-white, or both provide."

 And Flora gave the Lotus, "Rose- red" dyed 

And "Lily-white." the queenliest flower that blows.

                                   By TORN DUTT in The Century 

References:

Vick's Magazine 1904