I'll tell you of the rose with graceful pleats.
The rose is the fragrant breath of the gods,
The dearest care of the divine Muses!
I'll tell about your glory, oh charm of the eyes,
Oh flower of Cyprus, queen of the downs!
You thrive among the beautiful fingers
Of Dawn, dismissing morose shadows;
The clear blue air turns rose-colored, as do the woods;
The mouth and the womb of virgins are roses!
Happy is the virgin with arms rounded
Who steps into wet bushes to pick you!
Happy is the young brow where you gleam!
Happy is the goblet swimming with your petals!
When, still streaming from the paternal waters,
From the blue sea, Aphrodite hatched
Sparkling and nude against the clear sky,
Jealous earth bore the rose;
And all of Olympus, transported by love,
Saluted the beautiful flower!