Bouts-Rimés Sonnets III.

Wouldst thou give me a heavy jewelled crown
And purple mantle and embroidered vest?
Dear Child, the colours of the glorious West
Are far more gorgeous when the sun sinks down.
The diadem would only make me frown
With its own weight ; nay give me for my crest
Pale violets dreaming in perfect rest,
Or rather leaves withered to autumn brown.
A purple flowing mantle would but hinder
My careless walk, and an embroidered robe
Would shame me. What is the best man who stept
On earth more than the naked worm that crept
Over its surface ? Earth shall be a cinder ;
Where shall be then the beauty of the globe ?