THE ROMAUNT OF THE ROSE 43 



thyme, and rue. Catnip and radishes, 

 with tender lettuce-heads, were next to 

 bouncing-Bet, sweet peas, and China 

 pinks; and roses, pushing vigorous 

 suckers out, walked freely all about the 

 place and gathered thick around the 

 moss-grown sun-dial. 



Perhaps a recollection still more 

 dear may rise. A gift of roses with 

 the thorns picked off, a walk in sum- 

 mer ways but not alone, the choosing 

 of a rose such as Lothair received from 

 Corisande, — then bridal roses. 



Oh, calm June days that overflow the 

 night, and brief June nights that yield 

 another day ! oh, rose of June that by 

 day and night breathes hopeful love ! 

 close in the starlit garden, far on the 

 wood-dark hill, where the wind sweeps 

 and the arching eglantine, raising its 

 crown of thorns over lonely graves, 

 whispers, "I wound to heal," and 

 shares its vigil with the whip-poor-will. 



