Poems (Jackson)/A Rose-Leaf
A ROSE-LEAF.
ROSE-LEAF on the snowy deck, The high wind whirling it astern;Nothing the wind could know or reck: Why did the King's eye thither turn?"The Queen has walked here!" hoarse he cried. The courtiers, stunned, turned red, turned white;No use if they had stammered, lied; Aghast they fled his angry sight.
Kings' wives die quick, when kings go mad; To death how fair and grave she goes!What if the king knew now, she had Shut in her hand a little rose?
And men die quick when kings have said; Bleeding, dishonored, flung apartIn outcast field a man lies dead With rose-leaves warm upon his heart.