June's blossom-garden
Hath the red rose for warden,--
Sweet Love's inquisitor.
"Ere ye may enter in," said the Red Rose,
"Ye must swear fealty,
And not alone to me,
But likewise bind
Body and soul and mind,
Although it be not for thy heart's repose,
To Love whom I am sign and signet for!"
I came, and, nothing loth,
Took ready oath,
Hence wear I the Red Rose,
(Divinest flower that blows!)
And walk June's blossom-garden, glad to be
Bounden forevermore to Love,--and thee!
