by Renée de Coutans.
Originally published in The Yellow Book (Bodley Head) vol.10 (Jul 1896).
Her heart o'erbrimming with much love unsought,
A lady loved a rose.
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Through sun-flecked paths she wandered dreamily,
By greeny lawns, and trees, and singing birds
(Her heart o'erbrimming with much love unsought).
And passed she by a rose-bush, bearing graciously
A flowered burden, lovely, sweet
(Her own heart burdened with its love unsought).
She plucked an offering, fair bud,
And pressed it fondly to her lips
(Her heart distraught),
When lo! the tender penetrating scent
Deep nestled to her heart
(Unsought).
And stirred that Love alonging there,
Which leapt to the soft purple leaves,
And fainted in a kiss,
A kiss of joy full satisfied at last
(Her heart was brimming with such love unsought).