A Dead Rose

5The breeze that used to blow thee

6Between the hedgerow thorns, and take away

7An odour up the lane to last all day, — -

8If breathing now, — -unsweetened would forego thee.

9The sun that used to smite thee,

10And mix his glory in thy gorgeous urn,

11Till beam appeared to bloom, and flower to burn, — -

12If shining now, — -with not a hue would light thee.

13The dew that used to wet thee,

14And, white first, grow incarnadined, because

15It lay upon thee where the crimson was, — -

16If dropping now, — -would darken where it met thee.

17The fly that lit upon thee,

18To stretch the tendrils of its tiny feet,

19Along thy leaf's pure edges, after heat, — -

20If lighting now, — -would coldly overrun thee.

21The bee that once did suck thee,

22And build thy perfumed ambers up his hive,

23And swoon in thee for joy, till scarce alive, — -

24If passing now, — -would blindly overlook thee.

25The heart doth recognise thee,

26Alone, alone! The heart doth smell thee sweet,

27Doth view thee fair, doth judge thee most complete, — -

28Though seeing now those changes that disguise thee.

29Yes, and the heart doth owe thee

30More love, dead rose! than to such roses bold

31As Julia wears at dances, smiling cold! — -

32Lie still upon this heart — -which breaks below thee!