1. A branch of euphorbia dressed in a garment of lilies,
His rosy cheeks fenced about with sweet basil.

2. A rose in beauty's mantle imprisoned,
That sends forth naught but the thirsty glance of desire.

3. His speech, that captivates all hearts,
Is met from every fellow by his fellow.

4. No joy in life unless to us it come
Twined in his fingers mid the garden close.

5. A rosebud he, when first its sheen uncloses,
Dyed with the rosy red that streaks his cheek the while.

6. Facing him with the wine-cup in his hand,
A rose instead of rose, and basil-spray for basil-spray.

7. If they should veil the full moon from our eyes,
They’d give us in exchange a single rainy night.