A Valentine, Unsent
Stay, flaming rose, ’twould grieve her heart
To see you fade away,
Unloved, unwelcome and apart
From every joy to-day.
Once long ago your tale was new,
Days distant yet so dear;
Why say her lover still is true,
When that is all her fear?
Why thus recall another’s pain,
Her tender heart to fret?
Best let her think he loves again,
Who never can forget!
MARGARET PERRY