The modest rose puts forth a thorn
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For works with similar titles, see The Lily.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Blake_manuscript_-_Notebook_22_-_The_modest_rose_put_forth_a_thorn.jpg/400px-Blake_manuscript_-_Notebook_22_-_The_modest_rose_put_forth_a_thorn.jpg)
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The [rose put envious del.] [lustful del.] modest rose puts forth a thorn,
The [coward del.] humble sheep a threat’ning horn:
While the Lily white shall in love delight,
[And the lion increase freedom & piece, del.]
[The priest loves war & the soldier peace. del.]
Nor a thorn nor a threat stain her beauty bright.