TWO LITTLE VALENTINES.
Reading edition
[For two little girls.]
I.
Young Rosalind, she is my rose! I care not who the secret knows; So deep within my heart she grows, Her constant bloom no winter knows; Sweet Rosalind, she is my rose. Alas! this rose hath yet a thorn, Whereon my heart is daily torn. The love I proffer her each morn, That love she flings me back in scorn. But shall I therefore idly mourn? She'd be no rose without the thorn.
II.
When the ivory lily darkens, When the jealous rose turns pale, Then I say, "My Julia's coming! 'Tis a sign will never fail." When the bobolink is silent, When the linnet stays her trill, Then I say, "My Julia's singing! At her voice the birds are still." When I feel two velvet rose-leaves Touch my eyes on either lid, Then I say, "My Julia kissed me!" And she answers, "Yes, me did!"