THE ROSES OF SAADI.

AFTER THE FRENCH OF DESBORDES-VALMORE.

As I passed through the Valley of Roses to-day

I gathered the fairest and sweetest for thee,

But my robes were so full that the knots burst away,

And all my sweet roses fell into the sea.

A wave slowly bore them away from my sight,

Flaming forth like a cloud-billow rosy and red;

But on me you may breathe all their fragrance to-night,

For my bosom is sweet with the odors they shed.