What the Rose Saw

The Rose.
O Lily sweet, I saw a pleasant sight.
The Lily.
Where saw you it, and when?

The Rose.
Here; when the night
Lay calmly over all and covered us,
And no wind blew, however tremulous,

I heard afar the light fall of her feet
And murmur of her raiment soft and sweet.
The Lily.
What said she to you when she came anear?

The Rose.
No word, but o'er me bent till I could hear
The beating of her heart, and feel her blood
Swell to a blossom that which was a bud.

Alas! I have no words to tell the bliss
When on my trembling petals fell her kiss;
Sweeter than soft rain falling after heat,
Or dew at dawn, was that kiss soft and sweet.

Then fell another shadow on the ground,
And for a little space there was no sound.
I knew who stood beside her — saw his face
Shining and happy in that happy place —

I knew not what they said; but this I know
They kissed and passed: where think you did they go?