Pierre de Ronsard Rose Poem

13 years ago

My book group just read "The Elegance of the Hedgehog." It's full of references to philosophy, literature and art - and a few references to flowers, too - especially camellias, but also 'The Pilgrim' rose. There was mention of Pierre de Ronsard and a poem about roses and time that he wrote. I Googled for it - don't know that this is the best translation, but thought that folks on this forum might enjoy it, and some of you probably can share more info. Of course 'Eden' is 'Pierre de Ronsard' in Europe. I took along to the meeting the text of the poem, and photos of both 'The Pilgrim' and 'Pierre de Ronsard' roses. I don't particularly recommend the book, but it was certainly a rich choice for discussion. The text of the poem is below.

Anita

The Rose

See, Mignonne, hath not the Rose,

That this morning did unclose

Her purple mantle to the light,

Lost, before the day be dead,

The glory of her raiment red,

Her colour, bright as yours is bright?

Ah, Mignonne, in how few hours,

The petals of her purple flowers

All have faded, fallen, died;

Sad Nature, mother ruinous,

That seest thy fair child perish thus

Ã¯Â¿Â½Twixt matin song and even tide.

Hear me, my darling, speaking sooth,

Gather the fleet flower of your youth,

Take ye your pleasure at the best;

Be merry ere your beauty flit,

For length of days will tarnish it

Like roses that were loveliest.