The White Flag.

I sent my love two roses, - one
    As white as driven snow,
And one a blushing royal red,
    A flaming Jacqueminot.

I meant to touch and test my fate;
    That night I should divine,
The moment I should see my love,
    If her true heart were mine.

For if she holds me dear, I said,
    She'll wear my blushing rose;
If not, she'll wear my cold Lamarque
    As white as winter's snows.

My heart sank when I met her:    sure
    I had been over bold,
For on her breast my pale rose lay
    In virgin whiteness cold.

Yet with low words she greeted me,
    With smiles divinely tender;
Upon her cheek the red rose dawned. -
    The white rose meant surrender.