Verse: Three Roses

Just when the red June Roses blow She gave me one,--a year ago. A Rose whose crimson breath revealed The secret that its heart concealed, And whose half shy, half tender grace Blushed back upon the giver's face. A year ago--a year ago-- To hope was not to know.

Just when the red June Roses blow I plucked her one,--a month ago: Its half-blown crimson to eclipse, I laid it on her smiling lips; The balmy fragrance of the south Drew sweetness from her sweeter mouth. Swiftly do golden hours creep,-- To hold is not to keep.

The red June Roses now are past, This very day I broke the last-- And now its perfumed breath is hid, With her, beneath a coffin-lid; There will its petals fall apart, And wither on her icy heart:- At three red Roses' cost My world was gained and lost.