| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 532. The Rose and Thorn |
| | | By Paul Hamilton Hayne |
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| SHE ’S loveliest of the festal throng | |
| In delicate form and Grecian face,— | |
| A beautiful, incarnate song, | |
| A marvel of harmonious grace, | |
| And yet I know the truth I speak: | 5 |
| From those gay groups she stands apart, | |
| A rose upon her tender cheek, | |
| A thorn within her heart. | |
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| Though bright her eyes’ bewildering gleams, | |
| Fair tremulous lips and shining hair, | 10 |
| A something born of mournful dreams | |
| Breathes round her sad enchanted air; | |
| No blithesome thoughts at hide and seek | |
| From out her dimples smiling start; | |
| If still the rose be on her cheek, | 15 |
| A thorn is in her heart. | |
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| Young lover, tossed ’twixt hope and fear, | |
| Your whispered vow and yearning eyes | |
| Yon marble Clytie pillared near | |
| Could move as soon to soft replies; | 20 |
| Or, if she thrill at words you speak, | |
| Love’s memory prompts the sudden start; | |
| The rose has paled upon her cheek, | |
| The thorn has pierced her heart. | |
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