Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 39, Number 59, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 March 1907 — LEGEND OF THE LILY. [ARTICLE]

LEGEND OF THE LILY.

when this grand old earth w*» ywtraff. An angel thought to bring From earth's fair fields a blossom sweet. To offer to his king. ■e wandered o’er the fertile fields, He gazed on blossoms bright; Too bright they seemed for his Too gay to please his sight. "Oh I for a pure white flower,” he sighed, “Fit for my King to wear.” Though long he sought, no flower of white Was blooming anywhere. —. flo,worn and weary, he sat down To weep that none were found; ■is crystal tears flowed o'er his robe And sank into the ground. At once a lily White sprang up. All pure, his gaze to meet: flinging, he gathered it and flew And laid it at God's feet. Pleased was his King. “This flower,” He said, “Because of this shall grow, Henceforth, a sign to sinful man. O’er all the earth below.” Thus came the Illy, pure and falr| Who looks may read this sign In its white cup. the angel's tears. The purity divine. —Annie Wall.