Littell's Living Age/Volume 141/Issue 1822/Rose or Thorn

O love the rose, O love the thorn, O love whose cheek with crimson glows, O love that leavest hearts forlorn Oh, tell me, ere the petals close, Is love a rose?

O love the thorn, O love the rose, O love, thy blush, of roses born, With lily whiteness comes and goes, O love with cheek oft wan and worn, Is love a thorn?

Oh, love’s a rose without the thorn; Its petals fall; but while it grows Its virgin hue doth steal from morn Heaven’s own glory as it blows. Oh, love’s a rose!