She gave them to me when the dance was done,
Her eyes all lighted with the ecstasy
Of triumph in the crushing contest won,
Of all the joy of girlish victory.
She gave them to me as we mounted up,
With all the bold effrontery that dares
To face the aged ones, who've come to sup,
And sidles off to alcoves on the stairs.

She gave them to me, but some sprays, I know,
All dying then, as though life's task were laid
To rest within that burning breast of snow;
And there the last great debt of all were paid.
She gave them to me, and my heart did beat,
As o'er my hope a greater promise came,
And up the narrow way with steps so fleet
She went, though I remember'd not her name.

She gave them to me, and I vow'd that they
Should lie upon my heart till years had fled,
Till, passing through life's narrow, thorny way,
They'd rest with me when life's own leaves were dead.
And thus I spoke, and then we wrote the deed,
With fervid seal upon the heart's own slab--
Alas! alas! how memory runs to seed!--
I left her Violets in a beastly cab!

* * * * *