Versos English Theodore H. Rand Pure lily, open on the breast...

English poem

Pure lily, open on the breast...

by (1835–1900)

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Pure lily, open on the breast . . . . . . . . . . . Of toiling waters' much unrest, Thy simple soul mounts up in worship Like ecstasy of a spirit blest!

Thy wealth of ivory and gold, All that thou hast, thou dost unfold! Fixed in the unseen thy life breathes upward A heavenly essence from out earth's mould.

Now comes the chill and dusk of night,— Folds up thy precious gold and white! Thy casket sinks within veiled bosom, To ope the richer in morrow's light.