A SONG OF COLOURS
Reading edition
By Theodore Maynard
Gold for the crown of Mary, Blue for the sea and sky, Green for the woods and the meadows Where small white daisies lie, And red for the colour of Christ’s blood When He came to the cross to die. These things the high God gave us And left in the world He made— Gold for the hilt’s enrichment, And blue for the sword’s good blade, And red for the roses a youth may set On the white brows of a maid.
Green for the cool, sweet gardens Which stretch about the house, And the delicate new frondage The winds of spring arouse, And red for the wine which a man may drink With his fellows in carouse. Blue and green for the comfort Of tired hearts and eyes, And red for that sudden hour which comes With danger and great surprise, And white for the honour of God’s throne When the dead shall all arise. Gold for the cope and chalice, For kingly pomp and pride, And red for the feathers men wear in their caps When they win a war or a bride, And red for the robe which they dressed God in On the bitter day He died.