LOVE’S T 0 KE N - F L 0 WE RS. 79 
For earth held naught of rich or rare 
Her wealth might not command ; 
Yet mark how sad the music flows 
\ From lips curved half in scorn, 
“ Love’s first step is upon the rose, 
His second finds the thorn.” 
No brighter, lovelier face appears 
In pleasure’s crowded mart; 
That proud eye was not meant for tears, 
No blight should touch that heart; 
Set as she sings, some memory throws 
Its shadow o’er life’s morn : 
“ Love’s first step is upon the rose, 
His second finds the thorn.” 
Alas ! it is a weary task 
To trace life’s hidden cares ; 
Seek not to raise the smiling mask 
That maiden pride still wears ; 
A quaint old rhyme may oft disclose 
How much the heart has borne : 
“ Love’s first step is upon the rose, 
His second finds the thorn.” 
