Rose and Butterfly

A BUTTERFLY flew to the heart of a rose.
Ah I more than he longed for the flower will yield !
Soft fans of Ariel close, unclose,
Unknowing how long he may dwell in our field.

He is here ! hi is yonder ! the rose will weep,
" If you may not abide with us, child of air,
For ever enfolded in memory' sleep,
Here in the heart of me, oh my fair ! "

Chill wind breathes, with a mist and a rain,
Shedding the sweet petals, every one ;
Now where is the heart of the flower so fain.
And the winged blue summer elf, where is he gone ?

Rose-lover, remember, though delicate wings,
Deep-dyed in a wonderful azure of heaven.
Be turned into dust of inanimate things,
Very soon from your own life you will be forgiven !