Black-Eyed Susans dot our land . . .

Black-Eyed Susans

art by

Golden waves of this glorious flower cast across our fields. Symbolic of encouragement and motivation, they'll fill your heart with joy . . .

"Floral Elegance" with

a charm and golden glow,

Cheer and warmth

to fill my soul . . .

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Sweet William's Farewell To Black-Eyed Susan

John Gay

(1685-1732)

All in the downs, the fleet was moored,
Banners waving in the wind.
When Black-Eyed Susan came aboard,
and eyed the burly men.
"Tell me ye sailors, tell me true
Does my Sweet William sail with you?"

Though battle call me from thy arms
Let not my pretty Susan mourn;
Though cannons roar, yet safe from harms
William shall to his Dear return.
Love turns aside the balls that round me fly
Lest precious tears should drop from Susan's eye.

So the sweet lark, high poised in air,

Shuts close his pinions to his breast

If chance his mate’s shrill call he hear,

And drops at once into her nest:—

The noblest captain in the British fleet

Might envy William’s lip those kisses sweet.

‘O Susan, Susan, lovely dear,

My vows shall ever true remain;

Let me kiss off that falling tear;

We only part to meet again.

Change as ye list, ye winds; my heart shall be

The faithful compass that still points to thee.

"Black-Eyed Susans" though

a wildflower of America,

were named because of

British poet, John Gay . . .

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‘Believe not what the landmen say

Who tempt with doubts thy constant mind:

They’ll tell thee, sailors, when away,

In every port a mistress find:

Yes, yes, believe them when they tell thee so,

For Thou art present wheresoe’er I go.

‘If to fair India’s coast we sail,

Thy eyes are seen in diamonds bright,

Thy breath is Afric’s spicy gale,

Thy skin is ivory so white.

Thus every beauteous object that I view

Wakes in my soul some charm of lovely Sue.

‘Though battle call me from thy arms

Let not my pretty Susan mourn;

Though cannons roar, yet safe from harms

William shall to his Dear return.

Love turns aside the balls that round me fly,

Lest precious tears should drop from Susan’s eye:

The boatswain gave the dreadful word,

The sails their swelling bosom spread,

No longer must she stay aboard;

They kiss’d, she sigh’d, he hung his head.

Her lessening boat unwilling rows to land;

‘Adieu!’ she cries; and waved her lily hand.

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"Black-Eyed Beauty"

I love you so,

wild in the meadow you may grow . . .

I brought you through my garden gate;

you gorgeous flower of Maryland state.

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