The (almost really) Complete Works of Lewis Carroll

Love among the Roses

Source: sent to Miss Sarah Sinclair, 1878

“Seek ye Love, ye fairy-sprites?
Ask where reddest roses blow.
Rosy fancies he invites,
And in roses he delights—
Have ye found him?” “No.”

“Seek again, and find the boy
In Childhood’s heart, so pure & clear.”
Now the fairies leap for joy,
Crying, “Love is here!”

“Love has found his proper nest,
And we guard him while he dozes
In a dream of peace & rest
Rosier than roses!”

Jan. 3, 1878.