Deep in a yew-sequestered grove br I sat and wept my heart away; br A child came by at close of day br With eyes as sweet as new-born love. br br He came from sun-bleached meadows where br High on the hedge the topmost rose br Curtsies to every wind that blows. br A wanton of the summer air. br br The sunset aureoled his brow, br Kindling the roses in his hand, br And by my side I saw him stand br To offer me his rose-red bough: br br Take back thy gift--I sighed forlorn, br And showed where like the yew's red seed, br My blood had trickled, bead on bead, br From wounds made by his cruel thorn. br br He smiled and said:--Nay, take my Rose; br You know, when all is said and done, br There's not a joy beneath the sun br Worth lovers' joys but lovers' woes.