University of Virginia Library

IV.

O fair befall my dainty flowers,
Summering on their stem;
Smiling up to the crowning Rose,
As she smileth down upon them.
Smiling up to their Queen in her beauty,
That smiles on each bonny breast-gem:
Blossoming, brimming with love for her
Who leans ruddy with love over them!
O fair befall my dainty flowers,
Summering on their stem!

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And O the armful of rich love,
My fragrant human posies!
Smile on them all, sweet Heaven,
And kiss my darling Roses.