THE RED ROSE

I pinned a red rose o'er my heart,

The rose my lover gave to me,

With many vows and tender words,

My love, my own, I love but thee.

I wore the red rose o'er my heart,

That summer day with gladness,

And knew not doubt nor haunting care,

Nor slightest touch of sadness.

But ah! a thorn's within my heart,

A thorn of false love's planting,

Deceit had pressed its bitter sting,

My life forever haunting.

I took the red rose from my heart,

No more, oh love, 'tis blowing,

The thorn lies deep within my breast,

Where never sign is showing.