1. The rose claimed that it was more beautiful
Than all the lights and sweet basil

2. The eyes of the narcissus, still wet with dew,
Responded to its boastfulness and pretense

3. Is the blush of the rose better or the kohl
Of a sick, heavy-lidded gazelle?

4. Or what good is its redness to the cheek
If there are no eyes for it to adorn?

5. The rose was delighted, and answered wisely
With eloquent and pleasing rhetoric:

6. The blush on the cheek is finer than
An eye tinged yellow with jaundice