BRAVE flowers--that I could gallant it like you, br And be as little vain! br You come abroad, and make a harmless show, br And to your beds of earth again. br You are not proud: you know your birth: br For your embroider'd garments are from earth. br br You do obey your months and times, but I br Would have it ever Spring: br My fate would know no Winter, never die, br Nor think of such a thing. br O that I could my bed of earth but view br And smile, and look as cheerfully as you! br br O teach me to see Death and not to fear, br But rather to take truce! br How often have I seen you at a bier, br And there look fresh and spruce! br You fragrant flowers! then teach me, that my breath br Like yours may sweeten and perfume my death.