Know you whence the roses came? Roses are the queen of flowers; Rose is my beloved’s name.
All my heart was set aflame As we walked through Cupid’s bowers; Know you whence the roses came?
Is it sweetness--is it shame-- When the sunshine’s spoiled by showers? Rose is my beloved’s name.
Duty sits a stern old dame On a throne of ruined towers; Know you whence the roses came?
Youth must live and who shall blame If with love it pass the hours? Rose is my beloved’s name.
Life and love is all a game, Shine and shadow--gleams and glowers-- Know you whence the roses came? Rose is my beloved’s name.
My spirit wandered by the ocean shore; Proud argosies sailed out to Albion’s isle Deep-laden with a new world’s golden store, The sun-kissed waves danced lightly, Nature’s smile Suffused o’er all the scene sweet loveliness awhile.
Light silver veils, like tender thoughts outspread When dreaming lovers taste supernal joy, Floated around Heaven’s azure bridal bed In listless splendour; others did convoy Earth’s treasures o’er the deep that plotted to destroy.
There rose as from the sea a strange mirage Out of the past; the clouds like floating drapes Each moment changed, and ocean’s long rivage Was wreathed by magic in a thousand shapes, Now gemmed with flashing isles, now girt with solemn capes.
And all the cities that have loved the sea To their destruction, passed along the sky, And I beheld them, as the drowning see, In that last moment when they sink to die, All life’s forgotten scenes unrolled by memory.
Time-honoured Greece, whose fingers clutched the wave And clasped it to a heart that beats no more, Sank with her wisdom in a silent grave, Leaving her sons a splendour to deplore While moans the tideless sea around each classic shore.
Rich Carthage, whose swift keels swam round the world, Phœnicia’s loveliest daughter. Her fair hand Was fought for by the nations; Fate hath hurled, Her and her glory from their sea-throne grand, Buried like some old palm beneath the burning sand.
Great Venice stood amid the nuptials gay Blessing as bride the fair but fickle sea; But all her pride and pomp have passed away, Dukes, doge, ships, senate, riches, sovereignty, That once compelled the world to fall on bended knee.