Pike County Ballads and Other Poems

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 over bold,
  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.