Craigcrook Roses

Craigcrook Roses! ruby, golden,
Glowing gorgeous; faint with passion;

To the sweet flower-soul unfolden:
Wreathe me in the old Greek fashion.

Queen of sweetness, crowned with splendour,
Every rich round bud uncloses;

Yet so meek and womanly tender
Are you royal Craigcrook Roses,
Warm and winy Craigcrook Roses.

Leaning with some unknown yearning,
You would make a lover sin, you
Pretty wooers, archly turning
As you climb to make us win you.

Ripe perfection of fair fulness
In your gracious bloom reposes;

And an emerald bower for coolness,
Summer builds my Craigcrook Roses,
Amorous-dreaming Craigcrook Roses.

When the year is old and hoary,
And the day is dark with dolours;

Still you come, my guests of glory,
In voluptuous dance of colours.

And — tho' Earth like Age is toiling
In the snowdrifts — perfumed posies
Kiss me, crown my spirit smiling
Down a dream of Craigcrook Roses,
Dear, delicious Craigcrook Roses.

Fairest 'mong Light's daughters seven,
With your dainty dreamy graces;
You might light with loving leaven
Smiles of spring in wintriest faces.
At the solemn shut of daylight,
When the fair life-vision closes;
May my spirit float away light
On a cloud of Craigcrook Roses,
Cooled and crowned with Craigcrook Roses.