Why do I love thee?

Why does the rose

List to the song of the breeze when it blows?

Why does it blossom

Fragrant and fair

Wafting its message of love through the air?

Why do its petals

Gently unfold

‘Neath the caresses of sunbeams of gold?

Why does it ever

Deepen in hue

When it is kissed by the silvery dew?

Tell me, oh, tell me,

Canst thou disclose

Secrets that dwell in the heart of the rose?

Give me thine answer—

If thou canst tell

Then wilt thou know why I love thee so well.