Part 2 — THE WHITE FLAG
Reading edition
I sent my love two roses,—one As white as driven snow, And one a blushing royal red, A flaming Jacqueminot.
I meant to touch and test my fate; That night I should divine, The moment I should see my love, If her true heart were mine.
For if she holds me dear, I said, She'll wear my blushing rose; If not, she'll wear my cold Lamarque, As white as winter's snows.
My heart sank when I met her: sure I had been overbold, For on her breast my pale rose lay In virgin whiteness cold.
Yet with low words she greeted me, With smiles divinely tender; Upon her cheek the red rose dawned,— The white rose meant surrender.
John Hay [1838-1905]