  BY MRS. MARY N. EVANS. Pure white the lily’s cup! Reminding thee of those whom God hath clad In linen robings—fine, and clean, and white— The righteousness of saints! Perfumed, the lily’s cup! Reminding thee of incense-breathing lives Whose fervent prayer, whose loving words and deeds All earth with fragrance fill! With honey stored, its cup! Reminding thee of pure heart-chalices Whose limpid depths are wells of heavenly love Whence all who will may draw. The lily’s cup shall fade! But withered flower and body death-destroyed, Or Spring, or Angel-trump shall wake again To resurrection, life! This, then, the lily saith: “Pure, perfumed, stored with sweetness be thy life, On earth a benison—then, glory-crowned, Immortal be in heaven!” |
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