Florence Churchill Casebeer - XIV. To Mr. and Mrs. Edward MacDowell lyrics

Along the sunny side of the woodland path, The wild rose hedge now dons its new green gown. Now blooms the rose, far from the gardened town! Now wafts the perfume, which no other bloom hath Distilled or dreamed might be. Though winter's wrath Touched all the man made gardens, on hill and down Wild roses wreathe again the Spring's gay crown-- An old time grace renews the smile, the laugh! Here is a hope to build through cloud and sun. What though the blossom breathe for one brief hour? The mystery lives in the heart that knows True beauty, believing that the Spring will come Strewing pale petals, and the perfumed flower That has never changed,--Oh sweet wild rose!