Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold :: :: University of Virginia Library

Matin Bells and Scarlet and Gold

By "F. Harald Williams"[i.e. F. W. O. Ward]. First Edition

Ward, F. W. Orde (1843-1922)

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NATURE'S SECRET.

I asked the red rose, how its colour came
From cold black earth in blushing robes of flame;
I asked the lily, how the snood of snow

Grew on its dewy form from death below;
I asked the violet, how it got the scent
Which touched our souls like some sweet instrument;
I asked the leaf, how to that living green
Laboratories toiled with hand unseen;
I asked the poet, how he caught the song
Which to its music rolled the world along;
I asked the speaker, how his dream's desire
Like lightning flashed and set the earth afire;
I asked the soldier, how his conquering sword
Razed mountains in the battles of the Lord;
I asked the woman, how her scarlet lips
Wrought mischief more than earthquake and eclipse;
I asked the baby, how it drew the trust
Which leapt to God like incense from the dust;
I asked the ocean, how it won the grace
Of freedom shadowed in a maiden's face;
I asked the heart, how rose the hungering cry
That nought could answer but Eternity;
And one response from all in concert fell,
“We know the secret but we cannot tell.”