Originally published at The Catholic Thing
PEARL, pleasant to prince’s pay,
So daintily dight in gold so clear!
From Orient lands, I hardily say,
Was never seen a gem her peer;
So round, so comely every way,
So small, so smooth her sides were,
Wherever I judged of gems so gay,
I set her single and singular.
Alas! in an arbour I lost my dear,
She slid through the grass into earth away :
Now pine I despoiled of love’s sweet cheer –
Of that spotless Pearl that was mine one day.
Since in that spot from me she sprang,
Oft have I waited there, wanting my weal,
That once was wont to soothe all wrong,
And to lighten my lot, and to bring me heal.
Now pierceth my heart the bitter pang,
Swelleth my breast with the sorrow I feel!
Yet never methinks was so sweet a song,
As in that still hour to my soul doth steal!
But alas ! for my sense must stagger and reel
To think of her comeliness clad in clay.
O Earth ! thou hast set thy sordid seal
On that spotless Pearl that was mine one day!
Needs must spices from that spot spread
Where such riches to rot is run:
Blossoms white and blue and red
Glow there in glory against the sun:
There may flower and fruit never fade,
Where down
