Littell's Living Age/Volume 141/Issue 1822/Rose or Thorn

by Robert Wilson

O love the rose, O love the thorn,
     O love whose cheek with crimson glows,
O love that leavest hearts forlorn
     Oh, tell me, ere the petals close,
                    Is love a rose?

O love the thorn, O love the rose,
     O love, thy blush, of roses born,
With lily whiteness comes and goes,
     O love with cheek oft wan and worn,
                    Is love a thorn?

Oh, love’s a rose without the thorn;
     Its petals fall; but while it grows
Its virgin hue doth steal from morn
     Heaven’s own glory as it blows.
                    Oh, love’s a rose!