[Lyric] Joseph’s Betrothal (Gladys Casely-Hayford)

"Your garden grows a rose," his people said
"Yes," Mary's father raised his old white head
"We have a rose," he answered, and his face
Lit with love's light poured radiance o'er the place
"We wish to pluck that rose that it may grow
Henceforth in Joseph's garden."
"Aye, I know" lisped Mary's father, deeply sunk in thought
"Transplanting of a rose is always fraught
with danger. Who knows if fresh soil
Will nurture it as ours, with skilful toil?
Will love smooth out its petals, shade from sun
Water when thirsting, tended by your son?"
"My son will tend it, it will bloom more rare,
This rose of yours, entrusted to our care"
Thus did they toss the matter to and fro
The parents of the two in sunset's glow