Lily.... Majesty.
Reading edition
The Lily’s height and beauty speak command. The Jews imitated its form in the decorations of their first magnificent temple; and Christ described it as more splendid than King Solomon in his most gorgeous apparel. According to ancient mythology, there was originally but one species of Lily, and that was orange-coloured; and the white was produced by the following circumstance:—Jupiter, wishing to render Hercules immortal, prevailed on Juno to take a deep draught of nectar, which threw the queen into a profound sleep. Jupiter then placed the infant Hercules at her breast, so that the divine milk might ensure immortality. Hercules drew the milk faster than he could swallow it, and some drops fell to the earth, from which immediately sprang the White Lily.
Flowers of the fairest, And gems of the rarest, I find and I gather in country or town; But one is still wanting, Oh! where is it haunting? The bud and the jewel must make up my crown. Thou pearl of the deep sea That flows in my heart free, Thou rock-planted Lily, come hither, or send; Mid flowers of the fairest, And gems of the rarest, I miss thee, I seek thee, my own parted friend! M. J. Jewsbury.
Ye well arrayed—— Queen Lilies—and ye painted populace, Who dwell in fields, and lead ambrosial lives. Young.
The wand-like Lily, which lifted up, As a Mœnad, its radiant-coloured cup, Till the fiery star, which is in its eye, Gazed through clear dew on the tender sky. Shelley.
Her glossy hair is clustered o’er a brow Bright with intelligence, and fair and smooth; Her eyebrow’s shape is like the aerial bow, Her cheek all purple with the beam of youth, Mounting at times to a transparent glow, As if her veins run lightning; she, in sooth, Has a proud air, and grace by no means common, Her stature tall,—I hate a dumpy woman. Byron.
Oh, he is all made up of love and charms, Whatever maid could wish or man admire; Delight of every eye! when he appears, A secret pleasure gladdens all that see him; And when he talks, the proudest men will blush To hear his virtues and his glory! Addison.