Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Frank DempsterSherman

1374 The Rose’s Cup

DOWN in a garden olden,—

Just where, I do not know,—

A buttercup all golden

Chanced near a rose to grow;

And every morning early,

Before the birds were up,

A tiny dewdrop pearly

Fell in this little cup.

This was the drink of water

The rose had every day;

But no one yet has caught her

While drinking in this way.

Surely, it is no treason

To say she drinks so yet,

For that may be the reason

Her lips with dew are wet.