Red Rose

I plucked a rose, a red rose rare, I placed her on a throne Within my heart; and there I dare To worship her alone.

An idol, thus, I paid to her My constant vigil, love, and care. Upon my knees, I prayed to her, My whole heart in my prayer.

Alas ! my love, my care, my prayer, Failed! failed to keep my treasure fair. I saw (my heart filled with despair) Her drooping head ;

Her beauty, grace and fragrance flown, Her every leaf and petal shorn, I gazed in silence — and alone — Upon my dead.