the "fairer flower."
135
The lily lends its light perfume,
The woodbine clusters by it.
The woodbine clusters by it.
But on the lady's lovely face,
A blush out-blooms the rose;
And 'neath the hand that clasps the vase,
Less fair the lily shows.
A blush out-blooms the rose;
And 'neath the hand that clasps the vase,
Less fair the lily shows.
A soldier true and brave was he,
And crown'd with loftiest honor;
He bent his dark and dauntless eyes
With soften'd gaze upon her—
And crown'd with loftiest honor;
He bent his dark and dauntless eyes
With soften'd gaze upon her—
"Dear lady, yes! 'tis well the bower
Its loveliest lends to thee,
But I can show a fairer flower
If thou'lt but come with me!"
Its loveliest lends to thee,
But I can show a fairer flower
If thou'lt but come with me!"
She gave her hand with artless grace,
She cross'd the room half dreaming;
And there he show'd her own sweet face
Within the mirror beaming!
She cross'd the room half dreaming;
And there he show'd her own sweet face
Within the mirror beaming!
