THE WILD ROSE 



Sweet wild rose among the grasses, 

 Playing with each breeze that passes, 

 On thy soft and fragrant breast 

 Pilgrim bees delight to rest; 

 Thy pink lips and virgin tresses 

 Hold more beauty than man guesses, 

 And there come with thy glad kisses 

 To my soul a thousand blisses. 



Careless beauty in the sod, 

 Blooming at the feet of God, 

 Christened with the crystal dew 

 Angels must have tinted you ; 

 Skillful hands thy robes prepare, 

 Spun from soil and sun and air- 

 Bridal beauty of the lea, 

 Come, sweet rose, and live with me. 



