Helen of Troy And Other Poems (10)

    Oh if I were the velvet roseUpon the red rose vine, I'd climb to touch his windowAnd make his casement fine.

    And if I were the little birdThat twitters on the tree, All day I'd sing my love for himTill he should harken me.

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

    And since I am a maidenMy love will never know That I could kiss him with a mouthMore red than roses blow.