The Guerdon.
Lily and rose in my garden,1
Why are you nodding at me ?2
Cannot I pass to my lover3
But you are watching to see ?4
Lily and rose—in sweet pity,5
Do not keep barring my way ;6
I was so happy at starting—7
Can’t I be happy alway ?8
Jealous rose, clinging and clasping,9
Think you such bonds are secure ?10
Painful may be—but not lasting,11
Love hath taught how to endure.12
Lily and rose, you are jealous,13
Heard you my love, I suppose,14
Call me “ Of lilies the fairest,15
Roses, the sweetest blush-rose. ”16
Lily and rose, don’t be angry,17
Spare this one lover to me ;18
You have so many—l’ve watched them,19
Butterflies, birds and a bee.20
If you’ll release me—as guerdon21
Promise I just at the least—22
Morrow is fixed for my bridal,23
You shall be plucked for the feast
!24