Know you whence the roses came?
Roses are the queen of flowers;
Rose is my beloved’s name.
All my heart was set aflame
As we walked through Cupid’s bowers;
Know you whence the roses came?
Is it sweetness—is it shame—
When the sunshine’s spoiled by showers?
Rose is my beloved’s name.
Duty sits a stern old dame
On a throne of ruined towers;
Know you whence the roses came?
Youth must live and who shall blame
If with love it pass the hours?
Rose is my beloved’s name.
Life and love is all a game,
Shine and shadow—gleams and glowers—
Know you whence the roses came?
Rose is my beloved’s name.
A SEA DREAM.
My spirit wandered by the ocean shore;
Proud argosies sailed out to Albion’s isle
Deep-laden with a new world’s golden store,
The sun-kissed waves danced lightly, Nature’s smile
Suffused o’er all the scene sweet loveliness awhile.
Light silver veils, like tender thoughts outspread
When dreaming lovers taste supernal joy,
Floated around Heaven’s azure bridal bed
In listless splendour; others did convoy
Earth’s treasures o’er the deep that plotted to destroy.