But the rose was awake all night for your sake, 



Knowing your promise to me ; 

 The lilies and roses were all awake, 



They sigh'd for the dawn and thee. 



There has fallen a splendid tear 



From the passion-flower at the gate. 

 She is coming, my dove, my dear ; 



She is coming, my life, my fate ; 

 The red rose cries, ' She is near, she is near ' ; 



And the white rose weeps, ' She is late ' ; 

 The larkspur listens, ' I hear, I hear ' ; 



And the lily whispers, ' I wait.' 



She is coming, my own, my sweet ; 



Were it ever so airy a tread. 

 My heart would hear her and beat. 



Were it earth in an earthy bed ; 

 My dust would hear her and beat. 



Had I lain for a century dead ; 

 Would start and tremble under her feet. 



And blossom in purple and red. 



TENNYSON 



THE THREE CHERRY TREES 



THERE were three cherry trees once. 

 Grew in a garden all shady ; 

 And there for delight of so gladsome a sight. 

 Walked a most beautiful lady. 

 Dreamed a most beautiful lady. 



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