Two Roses
A fair white rose sedately grows
Within the garden wall. There blows
No wind to ruff her petals white,
No stain of earth, no touch of blight
The pure face of my ladye shows.
The queen of all the walls enclose
Might be mine own, an’ if I chose;
But yet, but yet I cannot slight
My wild red rose.
Outside the garden wall she throws
Her clinging tendrils, and she knows
How strong the winds of passion smite;
She’s fragrant, though not faultless quite;
Just as she is, none shall depose
My wild red rose.
William Lindsey