THE GRAVE AND THE ROSE.
Reading edition
[Translated from Victor Hugo.]
Whispers the grave to the rose: “With the dew that the dawn bestows, What dost thou, love’s darling blossom?” And the rose to the grave soft saith: “And thou, dread abyss of death, With them in thine awful bosom?” But answers: “Mystical tomb, From the dew I exhale in the gloom Mine odor of amber and spices.” Then the grave: “Ah, querulous flower! Even so from each heart in my power An angel to Heaven arises.”