A MAIDEN

OH if I were the velvet rose
Upon the red rose vine,
I'd climb to touch his window
And make his casement fine.


And if I were the little bird
That twitters on the tree,
All day I'd sing my love for him
Till he should harken me.


But since I am a maiden
I go with downcast eyes,
And he will never hear the songs
That he has turned to sighs.


And since I am a maiden
My love will never know
That I could kiss him with a mouth
More red than roses blow.