Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE PHANTOM OF THE ROSE, by THEOPHILE GAUTIER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PHANTOM OF THE ROSE, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: Sweet lady, let your lids unclose
Last Line: "e'en kings are jealous of its bliss."
Alternate Author Name(s): Theo, Le Bon
Subject(s): Flowers; Roses; Women


SWEET lady, let your lids unclose, --
Those lids by maiden dreams caressed;
I am the phantom of the rose
You wore last night upon your breast.
Like pearls upon my petals lay
The weeping fountain's silver tears,
Ere in the glittering array
You bore me proudly 'mid your peers.

O lady, 't was for you I died --
Yet have I come and will I stay;
My rosy phantom by your side
Will linger till the break of day.
Yet fear not, lady; nought claim I --
Nor mass, nor hymn, nor funeral prayer;
My soul is but a perfumed sigh,
Which pure from Paradise I bear.

My death is as my life was -- sweet;
Who would not die as I have done?
A fate like mine who would not meet,
Your bosom fair to lie upon?
A poet on my sentient tomb
Engraved this legend with a kiss:
"Here lies a rose of fairest bloom;
E'en kings are jealous of its bliss."





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