A basket of beautiful roses!
Snowflakes in a setting of green;
Pure as the pearl that reposes
On breast of the daintiest queen.
Not one, but a wealth of sweet roses!
In vases, on table and chair,
Small hands, in haste have deposed them;--
Sweet incense in soft summer air.
* * * * *
Long faded, Oh friend! are the roses;
Long faded, and fallen away;
But the fragrance such bounty discloses
Doth perfume the wintriest day.
Fragrant as breath of thy roses
Thy life-deeds are wafted above;--
Short season of struggle and triumph!
Bright crown of ne'er withering love.