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The Best Thing in the World
What’s the best thing in the world?
June-rose, by May-dew impearled;
Sweet south-wind, that means no rain;
Truth, not cruel to a friend;
Pleasure, not in haste to end;
Beauty, not self-decked and curled
Till its pride is over-plain;
Love, when, so, you’re loved again.
What’s the best thing in the world?
–Something out of it, I think.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
This beautiful poem is part of the mystery in the latest Maisie Dobbs book, The Mapping of Love and Death (Maisie Dobbs, Book 7). I’ve read all of this series which is set during and after WWI in England. I thought the poem was so fitting for this month’s muse, and I thank Carolyn Gail at Sweet Home and Garden Chicago for the opportunity to share it.
So exciting to see buds on the roses! A lovely poem, and a happy Muse Day and May Day to you, Dee.
.-= Rose´s last blog ..May Day Garden Musing =-.
That rose is so sweet. I like the poem too.
What a sweet rose phtoto. Happy May Day!
.-= Gardener on Sherlock Street´s last blog ..White =-.
Yes, Dee, the rose is indeed beautiful and befitting the lovely poem. Happy May Muse Day!
.-= joey´s last blog ..FAREWELL SWEET APRIL ~ ‘AS THE GARDEN GROWS’ =-.
Dee, I love this rose and just posted some photos of it on my blog. I’ve always called it “Cecile” and doing Google searches brings up both spellings. Is there a correct way? I need to research this! lol
.-= Phillip´s last blog ..Early roses =-.
Phillip, I always did too, but then some of the nurseries had it as Cecil. I think Cecile is nicer though.~~Dee