The White Flag

I SENT my love two roses,—one

As white as driven snow,

And one a blushing royal red,

A flaming Jacqueminot.

I meant to touch and test my fate;

That night I should divine,

The moment I should see my love,

If her true heart were mine.

For if she holds me dear, I said,

She’ll wear my blushing rose;

If not, she’ll wear my cold Lamarque,

As white as winter’s snows.

My heart sank when I met her: sure

I had been overbold,

For on her breast my pale rose lay

In virgin whiteness cold.

Yet with low words she greeted me,

With smiles divinely tender;

Upon her cheek the red rose dawned,—

The white rose meant surrender.