THE RAINBOW 
25 
With virtue Thy likeness we cover, 
With priestcraft we mock at Thy power, 
And the meanest on earth is a lover, 
As vile as a flower.  
 
Come down through the visionless aether,  
And watch for the sprout of the grain  
Hid dark in the wonder beneath her, 
A marvel of passion and pain ; 
Smite power from on high into mortals, 
Draw spirit to spirit and nigher, 
That winds burst the wonderful portals 
And tongues as of fire. 
 
O Life of the stars in their glory, 
O Light of the passionate spring, 
How sweet and supreme is thy story, 
Most Wonderful, Counsellor, King ! 
O crucified, slain, re-arisen ! 
Burst open the fetters that bind, 
Change from us the garb of our prison 
And lighten the mind. 
 
O Spring, tell the bountiful Giver 
Thy smiles on the world are in vain ;