The Lilies

' Behold the lilics, how they grow : " Lo I he on Judah's throne Such royal vestments could not know As they might wear alone. They toil not, neither do they spin, Yet lieaven's glory enters in ; No taint of earth, no shade of sin, The holy Ulies bear. MARV. " Behold the lilies, how they grow : " An angel bends toward earth, The wondrous story whispers low Of the Messiah's birth. The heavenly footsteps press the ground, The Jewish raaid hath favor found. And God 's own glory shines around The holy Hlies tlierc. EASTKR. " Behold the lilieshow they grow : " I lul dcep f rom human eyes, They wait through winter's torm and snow Until thcir Lord shall rise. Then in the dim cathedral halls Karth's blossoms line the stately walls ; The light that on the alter falls The holy lilies share.