He kissed the blossom, and bent very low, 
And put it to her lips—and even so 
His lips were set on them ;  the flower sighed 
For deep delight, and in the long kiss died. 
 
Years fled and faded, yet a flower was seen 
Gracious and comely in its nest of green, 
And tender hands would water it and say 
“ O happy sister, she that went away ! 
 
“ For she brought back my lover to my heart, 
And knew her work was perfect, and her part 
Most perfect when she died between the breath, 
And in the bridal kisses kissed to death.” 
 
So grew the newer blossom and was glad : 
Sweet little hopes her faint fair forehead had 
That one day such a death might crown her days. 
And so God too was glad, the story says. 
 
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