Classic Poem

“How camest thou by thy roses, Child?”
“I toiled at them in a little room.”
“Thy window flaming with the dawn?”
“Nay, master; 'twas in fearful gloom.”

“What gave thy rose its color, then?”
“My cheek's blood, as I bent my head.”
“Thy cheek is cold and lifeless, Child.”
“Mayhap it was my heart that bled.”

“One white rose in thy basket, Child?”
“Aye, master, that's to crown the whole.”
“What is it, then, O Little Child?”
“Mayhap … mayhap it is my soul!”