I WISH my love were some sweet flower,
And I some happy roaming bee,
Light winging to her woodland bower,
And all her sweetness waiting me.

I wish my love were some fair bird,
And I some young and favourite tree,
Where she might come, and sing, unheard,
Unseen, by all—save love and me.

I wish I were the leaves that shield
The rose from harm, and she the rose,
Together sweet our lives to yield,
Together in our death repose.