Ballad: Time of Roses

It was not in the winter
   Our loving lot was cast!
It was the time of roses,
   We plucked them as we passed!

That churlish season never frowned
   On early lovers yet! --
Oh no -- the world was newly crowned
   With flowers, when first we met.

'Twas twilight, and I bade you go,
   But still you held me fast; --
It was the time of roses, --
   We plucked them as we passed!

What else could peer my glowing cheek
   That tears began to stud? --
And when I asked the like of Love
   You snatched a damask bud, --

And oped it to the dainty core
   Still glowing to the last: --
It was the time of roses,
   We plucked them as we passed!

THOMAS HOOD