OUTSIDE the hedge of roses
That walls my garden round,
And many a flower encloses,
Lies fresh unfurrowed ground.
I have not delved nor planted
In that strange land, nor come
To sow, in soil enchanted,
Fresh promises of bloom.
My labours all have ended
Within my fragrant wall,
The blossoms I have tended
Have grown so sweet and tall.
But now in silver showers
Your laughter falls on me,
And fairer than all flowers
Your flower-face I see.
And, bound no more by roses,
I break my barrier through,
And leave all it encloses,
Dear one, to follow you.