In mart and mine of many a long-leagued land I sought my jewels and I built my crown: The circle shone with gems of bright renown, Fiercely coruscant, shimmeringly bland; But dark amid the light on either hand The central point stood empty, dully brown, Waiting a stone of splendor that should drown The lesser fires with flame supremely grand. I tried a ruby's hot, imperial ball, A golden sapphire's bright benignancy, A lordly diamond, a topaz tall, But none could rule that glittering company; Till last I found it! -- queenliest gem of all, One soft, sweet pearl; its name, Serenity. |