Iii

The bridesmaids slept in their chambers apart: There is a rose that's ready; Tall Margaret walked with her thumping heart: There's a rose that's ready for clipping.

The frill of her nightgown below the left breast: There is a rose that's ready; Had fall'n like a cloud of the moonlighted West: There's a rose that's ready for clipping.

But where the West-cloud breaks to a star: There is a rose that's ready; Pale Margaret's breast showed a winding scar: There's a rose that's ready for clipping.

O few are the brides with such a sign! There is a rose that's ready; Though I went mad the fault was mine: There's a rose that's ready for clipping.

I must speak to him under this roof to-night: There is a rose that's ready; I shall burn to death if I speak in the light: There's a rose that's ready for clipping.

O my breast! I must strike you a bloodier wound: There is a rose that's ready; Than when I scored you red and swooned: There's a rose that's ready for clipping.

I will stab my honour under his eye: There is a rose that's ready; Though I bleed to the death, I shall let out the lie: There's a rose that's ready for clipping.

O happy my bridesmaids! white sleep is with you! There is a rose that's ready; Had he chosen among you he might sleep too! There's a rose that's ready for clipping.

O happy my bridesmaids! your breasts are clean: There is a rose that's ready; You carry no mark of what has been! There's a rose that's ready for clipping.