Page:Poems Toke.djvu/164

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

156

SONG.
FOR THE AIR, "ROSE! THOU ART THE SWEETEST FLOWER."

ROSE! thou art the fairest flower
That we have loved in childhood's hour;
Bright in that sweet morning's prime;
And still, in life's meridian time,
O'er thee thoughts of youth and Spring
A wreath of gladness seem to fling:
Then shine, sweet Rose! still brightly shine,
For hope and joy around thee twine.

Rose! thou art pale Memory's flower!
Many a bygone cheerful hour,
Scenes long past of joy or pain,
Thy mingled hues can wake again.
Dreams of happy years gone by
Are floating on thy fragrant sigh:
Then shine, sweet Rose! still calmly shine,
For Memory's pensive hues are thine!

E.

December 4, 1841,