4.
“I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the valleys. As
the lily among thorns, so is my love.”
Behold the lilies of the vernal field;
For Solomon was ne'er arrayed so bright,
In all his tissued robe of silver light,
As one of these, to thoughtful eyes reveal'd.
The microscope will show their crystal shield,
All studded with fair pearls and chrysolite,
And purple veins that track the virgin white,—
A beauteous world from our gross eyes conceal'd.
That glittering robe of kingly Solomon
By this false Idumean is put on:
But fairer than the glory of the flower
Was Christ's white robe of spotless innocence,
Worn in His bleeding Passion's darkest hour,
Too brilliant for the eye of mortal sense.
