The Heathrose

The Heathrose

ONCE a boy a Rosebud[18]spied，

Heathrose fair and tender,

All array’d in youthful pride,—

Quickly to the spot he hied,

Ravished by her splendour[19].

Rosebud,rosebud,rosebud red,

Heathrose fair and tender!

Said the boy,“I’ll now pick thee,

Heathrose fair and tender!”

Said the rosebud,“I’ll prick thee,

So that thou’lt remember me,

Ne’er will I surrender!”

Rosebud,rosebud,rosebud red,

Heathrose fair and tender!

Now the cruel boy must pick

Heathrose fair and tender;

Rosebud did her best to prick,—

Vain‘twas’gainst her fate to kick—

She must needs surrender.

Rosebud,rosebud,rosebud red,

Heathrose fair and tender!

1779.