The primrose I did reject
Because it came too soon ;

The lily and pink I overlooked,

And vowed I would wait till June.

5
In June came the rose so red,
And that’s the flower for me:
But when I gathered the rose so dear,
I gained but the willow-tree.

6.

Oh, the willow-tree will twist,
And the willow-tree will twine :

And I would I were in the young man’s arms
That ever has this heart of mine.

id.

My gardener, as he stood by,
He bade me take great care,
For if I gathered the rose so red,
There groweth up a sharp thorn there.

8.

I told him I’d take no care
Till I did feel the smart,

And still did press the rose so deat,
Till the thorn did pierce my heart.

9.
A posy of hyssop I'll make,

No other flower I’ll touch,
That all the world may plainly see

I lave one flower too much.

My garden is now run wild;

When I shall plant anew,

My bed, that once was filled with thyme,

Is now o’errun with rue.