The Sunbeam and the Rose

" PRETTY Rosebud, are thy emerald
Curtains still undrawn?
Odalisque of Flowers —
Tender soul o' the fervid South!
I am dainty of thy beauty,
All this dewy dawn;
I am fainting for the ruddy
Kisses of thy mouth."

Sweetly sang the Sunbeam,
With a voice made low to win;
Round the Rose-heart playing,
Till it toucht the tenderest strings;
" Pretty Rosebud, ope thy lattice,
Let thy true love in."
And for Heaven down- wavering warm,
She waved her leafy wings!
LISTEN, MAIDENS, TO MY SONG o' THE SUNBEAM
AND THE ROSE.

Out she sprang, kiss-coloured,
In her eyes the dews of bliss;

All her beauty glowing
With a blush of bridal light!

Gave her balm and bloom for banquet
To the golden kiss;
Proudly oped each chamber
For a princelier delight.

Soon the Serpent of Sweetness,
Found he could no longer stay;
And away he went, a-wooing
Every flower that blows!
'Twas the reign of Roses
When that Sunbeam passed to-day:
Lonely in her rifled ruin
Droopt the dying Rose.
LISTEN, MAIDENS, TO MY SONG o' THE SUNBEAM
AND THE ROSE.