Hamilton Fish Armstrong, ed. The Book of New York Verse. 1917.
Harlem MarySamuel Woodworth
T
Who gathered flowers to sell,
But there’s a sweeter fairy
In Harlem’s flowery dell;
Whose violets, pinks, and roses,
Display a richer bloom,
’Twere bliss to gain such posies,
And taste their rich perfume.
Is swimming in her eye;
The rose’s vermeil treasure
On either cheek we spy;
The fragrant pink’s carnation,
Its nectar and perfume,
In sweetest combination
Have dress’d her lips in bloom.
A never-fading flower;
When pinks and roses perish
’Twill still adorn her bower;
Its tints will never vary,
Its fragrance ne’er depart,
’Twill always bloom with Mary,
’Tis planted in her heart.