The Rose and the Amaranth

Summary

This story is a fable about an Amaranth and a Rose-Tree that highlights the contrast between temporary beauty and eternal resilience. The Amaranth admires the Rose for its stunning appearance and fragrance, which are admired by both gods and humans. However, the Rose laments its own fleeting nature, acknowledging that its beauty is short-lived and vulnerable to being plucked or withering quickly. In contrast, the Rose praises the Amaranth for its enduring nature, as it never fades and continually rejuvenates itself with youthful blossoms. The fable underscores themes of transience versus permanence and prompts reflection on the value of inner and lasting qualities over temporary external allure.

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An Amaranth planted in a garden near a Rose-Tree, thus addressed it: “What a lovely flower is the Rose, a favorite alike with Gods and with men. I envy you your beauty and your perfume.” The Rose replied, “I indeed, dear Amaranth, flourish but for a brief season! If no cruel hand pluck me from my stem, yet I must perish by an early doom. But thou art immortal and dost never fade, but bloomest for ever in renewed youth.”