New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-05-28
TFor the New Orleans Rep1blic an.
ROSES AND THORNs.


PART FIRST.
IN valley near q streamlet
Wandered forth girl and boy.
He was bright and manly lad,
She seemed but beautiful toy.
Onward they hastened far away;
Band in hand they walked.
Laughing and skipping here and there,
While unce asingly they talked.
"See," said the girl, those beautiful flowers,
How I wish that could climb
That steep old hill; but WEAKNESS
Folbids it 70. time"
Rest thee here. and If can,
I'll get the fl Dw ers for thee.
So CALAMITY wavin !. his hand, the Lad
Went whi.t:ing merrily.
In q little while the boy came back;
In his hand he bore the pre-.
Laying it at his sweethe arts feet.
He looked iato her eyes.
Smiling. she thanke him for his gift,
And twined some roses in her hair;
Then. seeing the boy with one. she said
"There's thorn in the rose-take care"
Turning the flower DER and DER.
Tho lad seemed strangely still.
"what are our thoughtss' she gaily said,
"sell me them if You will"
II was thinking he said, looking at her,
st seems 80 strange thing
That flower. so v. ~ beautiful,
Should have SO sharp sting
"God." said the 81 RI, "in his own way
Does all things wise decree,
And on this earth there ia no thing
From imperfeetions free.
he gave the thorn unto the rose
To shield it from all harm.
It's perfume and its beauty gave
The eyes CT man to charm.
"Our paths Can not all roses be,
And to be fcee from harm,
We mutt keep q strict lookout
To avoid the ugly thorn.
Consider the ills Of the fell,
He teacheth them to grow,
Aud let US ask that on our lives
His Blessing he'll bestow."
PART SECOND.
In . valley near streamlet,
Meath the moons clear silvery light,
There walked beside a noble man
Anaiden, beautifully bright.
Slowly from moonl yht into shade
Gently moved they arm in arm.
While the maids soft laughter Oft was he ard,
Which the ears Of her lover charmed
Taking her hand, the swain exclaimed,
would could win this prize"
And the leve that swellsd within his heart.
Looked out from his large brown eyes.
Softly the maid withdrew her hand
And TUNED her head aside,
Then started from him-he again
Asked Ter 10 be his bride.
Her eyelids dropped her fair face flushed,
Still she answe cred not word,
The man Plead earnestly, for he could
Scarce his mighty feelings curb.
From childhood up this noble swain,
Had loved this maiden sweet,
He tod the feelings of his heart,
Then LAID it at her feet.
Then he grew stI ange ly grave;
''Oh tell me why" she gently said,
"You can not still be bravei
"why is your manly cheek so pales
Twas ever flushed and clear,
Why should your deep voice falter now
As though you felt some fear
II was thinking" he said as he looked at her
1t seems SO strange thing
That . beisg SO very lovely
should bear with her sting.
Surely yon were formed to love,
gentle fragile flower.
Irever dreamed you'd use q thorn,
But now, I ka0w your powe-.
"Why is it God hss given you
A form 20 bright to sect
voice so soft and siiverv
To bring but wee to mee
"Oh question not the ways OF God,
Though you lose all that's dear:
Know, what told you years ago,
There's . thorn in the rose, take care.
"Then take this hand my heart IS yours.
And it shall ever be
For every pulse within it throbs
For thee love. only thee.
"Our path can not all roses be.
And to be free from harm
We must keep strict lookout
To avoid the ugly thorn.
Consider the lilies Of the field
He teacheth The III to live,
And let Us hope that on our lives
His blessing He will give"