LOVE AND THE ROSE
The thorn lives but to shield the rose;
Coquetry may but shelter love!
(This consolation Hope bestows).
The thorn lives but to shield the rose;
Though blood from many a thorn wound flows
I'll pluck the rose that blows above—
The thorn lives but to shield the rose,
Coquetry may but shelter love!
Love me more or not at all,
Half a rose is less than none;
Hear the wretch you hold in thrall!
Love me more or not at all!
Dilletante love will pall,
I would have you wholly won;—
Love me more or not at all;
Half a rose is less than none!