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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE LILIES OF THE FIELD by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS

Poet Analysis

First Line: FLOWERS! WHEN THE SAVIOUR'S CALM BENIGNANT EYE
Last Line: THAN YOURS, YE LILIES! CHOSEN THUS AND GRACED!
Subject(s): FLOWERS; LILIES; RELIGION; THEOLOGY;

FLOWERS! when the Saviour's calm, benignant eye
Fell on your gentle beauty -- when from you
That heavenly lesson for all hearts he
Eternal, universal, as the sky --
Then, in the bosom of your purity, drew,
A voice He set, as in a temple-shrine,
That life's quick travellers ne'er might pass you by
Unwarned of that sweet oracle Divine.
And though too oft its low, celestial sound
By the harsh notes of work-day Care is drowned,
And the loud steps of vain, unlistening Haste,
Yet the great ocean hath no tone of power
Mightier to reach the soul, in thought's hushed hour,
Than yours, ye Lilies! chosen thus and graced!



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