The Band of Gideon and Other Lyrics/Compensation
For works with similar titles, see Compensation.
Compensation
I plucked a rose from out a bower fair, That overhung my garden seat;And wondered I if, e'er before, bloomed there A rose so sweet.
Enwrapt in beauty I scarce felt the thorn That pricked me as I pulled the bud;Till I beheld the rose, that summer morn, Stained with my blood.
I sang a song that thrilled the evening air With beauty somewhat kin to love,And all men knew that lyric song so rare Came from above.
And men rejoiced to hear the golden strain; But no man knew the price I paid,Nor cared that out of my soul's deathless pain The song was made.