New Collected Rhymes

The Prince's Birthday

ROME, 31ST DECEMBER, 1721

(A new-born star shone, which is figured on an early Medal of Prince Charles.)

A wonderful star shone forth

From the frozen skies of the North

Upon Rome, for an Old Year's night:

And a flower on the dear white Rose

Broke, in the season of snows,

To bloom for a day's delight.

Lost is the star in the night,

And the Rose of a day's delight

Fled "where the roses go":

But the fragrance and light from afar,

Born of the Rose and the Star,

Breathe o'er the years and the snow.