How you have loved me? Let me so declare!
From out of the dank mud and the wet mire
you loved me with a spirit to inspire
and yet still more you breathed life-giving air
into my lungs and gave me a will to dare.
Because of you I strive to reach higher
and live life with a zeal that burns like fire;
you loved me as if I was precious and rare.
And therefore my heart is now made of gold
which beats for you for ever and always;
you\'ve loved me in kind ways sublime and untold,
dear Rose, so I offer you thanks and praise
and prize too great for you to count or behold;
for I love you to the end of my days!