Goblin Market, The Prince’s Progress, and Other Poems · Christina Georgina Rossetti

Chapter 17: Song

Oh roses for the flush of youth, And laurel for the perfect prime;But pluck an ivy branch for me Grown old before my time.

Oh violets for the grave of youth, And bay for those dead in their prime;Give me the withered leaves I chose Before in the old time.

THE HOUR AND THE GHOST