" WHY wilt thou cast the roses from thine hair?

Nay, be thou all a rose,—wreath, lips, and cheek.

⁠Nay, not this house,—that banquet-house we seek;

See how they kiss and enter; come thou there.

This delicate day of love we two will share

⁠Till at our ear love's whispering night shall speak.

⁠What, sweet one,—hold'st thou still the foolish freak?

Nay, when I kiss thy feet they 'll leave the stair."

"Oh loose me! Seest thou not my Bridegroom's face

⁠That draws me to Him? For His feet my kiss,

⁠⁠My hair, my tears He craves to-day:—and oh!

What words can tell what other day and place

⁠Shall see me clasp those blood-stained feet of His?

⁠⁠He needs me, calls me, loves me: let me go!"