This page needs to be proofread.
28
THE ROSES OF OLD.
I.
“Sweet as the smile of the morning
Your radiant petals unfold,
Breathing out fragrance and beauty
Just like the red roses of old.
II.
“And yet you can tell me no secret—
For me every tale has been told,
Away in a dear Eastern garden
By the beautiful roses of old.
III.
“Go, sigh upon Ella’s fair bosom,
Or smile from her bright head of gold;
I learned all my lessons in loving
'Mid the royal red roses of old.”
IV.
So saying, I called and adorned her,
When up to the gate someone strolled,
And smilingly gave her a handful
Just like the red roses of old.
V.
And soon in his coat he was wearing
The bloom from her bright head of gold
So the roses can still tell me secrets,
Like the glorious roses of old.
