God’s lilies droop about the world,
In sweetness everywhere;
They are the maiden-souls who learn
To comfort, and to bear
And to smile upon the heavy cross
That every one must wear.
O lilies, beautiful and meek!
They know God’s will is right,
And so they raise their patient heads
In dark and stormy night,
And far above the eastern hills
They see the dawn of light.
They know that when their day is done,
And deep the shadow lies,
The cross will weary them no more;
So lightly they arise
To meet the angels when they call
"Lilies of Paradise!"
