A LITTLE rose bloomed in the way
In which I roamed one sunny day;
     It looked so fair,
I wondered why alone it grew,
And why so long concealed from view
     While nestling there.

Its blushing petals, wide outspread,
A richer perfume quickly shed,
     Dripping with dew,
Which seemed in whispered tones to say,
As soon I put the thorns away,
     I bloomed for you.

"The sunshine kissed my lips at morn,
Soon as I peeped to hail the dawn,
     With blushes red;
I was content through day to day;
No roaming footsteps passed this way
     By beauty led."

I claimed the treasure, pure and fair,
As all mine own; with special care
     I kept it long;
I said sweet sayings o'er and o'er:
But one bright morn it spoke no more;
     Its leaves were gone.

Thus in the varied paths of life,
Amid its cares, its toils, its strife,
     We often roam;
Then some sweet memories charm us here,
Some holy thoughts dispel all fear,
     And guide us home.

And when earth's charms, like withered flowers,
Amid affliction's darkest hours
     No longer cheer,
A holy peace, a quiet joy,
Which unbelief can ne'er destroy,
     Brings Heaven near.