O! TAKE AWAY YOUR FLOWERS.

O! take your pale camellias back;

Their soft leaves, waxen white

And odorless, too ill accord

With my dark mood to-night.

I do not want your hot-house flowers,

They're like the love you give —

A something tame and passionless

That breaths but does not live.

You take my hand as though you feared

Your clasp were over-bold,

Your kiss falls light at flake of snow,

And just as calm and cold.

I'd rather have your hatred

Than this lifeless loving claim,

If your heart beat one throb faster

At mention of my name.

Leave me, and bind those soulless leaves

A calmer brow above;

I cannot wear your flowers to-night —

I do not want your love.