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XIV.—THE FIRST RED ROSE.
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219

XIV.—THE FIRST RED ROSE.

But the pale bleeding wrist took life anew
For man's sweet sake, and blossomed on the earth,
And at this blossom's splendid trembling birth
Heaven helped by soft showers of strength-quickening dew.
Soon the red wrist a red rose 'neath the blue
Of heaven flamed—and man with quiet mirth
Appraised the flower and knew what it was worth,
Left God the white rose, and content, withdrew.
This splendid blossom tinged with woman's blood
Man holdeth ever; nor can God dispose
Its petals in his heavenly solitude:—
Fair woman best her heart of passion knows,
And though one slay her in a jealous mood,
Each drop of blood turns to her lover's rose.