(W. E. Henley.)

Rose kissed me to-day, Will she kiss me to-morrow? Let it be as it may, Rose kissed me to-day. But the pleasure gives way To a savor of sorrow;-- Rose kissed me to-day,-- Will she kiss me to-morrow?

I intended an Ode, And it turned to a Sonnet. It began à la mode, I intended an Ode; But Rose crossed the road In her latest new bonnet. I intended an Ode, And it turned to a Sonnet.

(AUSTIN DOBSON: Rose Leaves.)

In an earlier version of this last "rose-leaf" the ode is said to have "turned into triolets," when Rose crossed the road "with a bunch of fresh violets."

A little kiss when no one sees, Where is the impropriety? How sweet amid the birds and bees A little kiss when no one sees! Nor is it wrong, the world agrees, If taken with sobriety. A little kiss when no one sees, Where is the impropriety?

(SAMUEL MINTURN PECK: Under the Rose.)

Worldly designs, fears, hopes, farewell! Farewell all earthly joys and cares! On nobler thoughts my soul shall dwell! Worldly designs, fears, hopes, farewell! At quiet, in my peaceful cell, I'll think on God, free from your snares; Worldly designs, fears, hopes, farewell! Farewell all earthly joys and cares!

(PATRICK CAREY: in Trivial Poems and Triolets, 1651; reprinted by Scott, 1819; this triolet also quoted in Ballades and Rondeaus, Introduction, p. xxxvi.)

Originally, the triolet was often used for serious sentiment. The present and the following specimen are rare instances of its serious use in English.

In his arms thy silly lamb Lo! he gathers to his breast! See, thou sadly bleating dam, See him lift thy silly lamb! Hear it cry, "How blest I am!-- Here is love and love is rest." In his arms thy silly lamb See him gather to his breast!