Jewels of Romance/The Enticement of Fame/Discretion

by George Faunce Whitcomb

DISCRETION

A young maiden crooned to a youth close by,
⁠ "When you wander by a lovely rose,
⁠ "Do you stoop and pluck it where it grows,
"And leave it forlorn and withered to die?"

The youth replied with a smile, "No, not I,
⁠ "Whene'er I pass a rose in bloom,
⁠ "I simply drink in its sweet perfume,
“And go, that I may return bye and bye."