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MEDIÆVAL HYMNS.
59

Sardonyx,[1] with its threefold hue,
Sets forth the inner man to view;
Where dark humility is seen,
And chastity with snow-white sheen,
And scarlet marks his joy to bleed
In Martyrdom, if faith shall need.

The Sardius,[2] with its purple red
Sets forth their merits who have bled:
The Martyr band, now blest above,
That agonised for Jesu's Love:
The sixth foundation, not in vain,
The Cross's Mystery to explain.[3]

The golden coloured Chrysolite[4]
Flashes forth sparkles on the night:
Its mystic hues the life reflect
Of men with perfect wisdom decked,
Who shine, in this dark world, like gold,
Through that Blest Spirit Sevenfold.

The sunshine on the sea displays
The watery Beryl's[5] fainter rays:
Of those in this world's wisdom wise
The thoughts and hopes it signifies:
Who long to live more fully blest
With mystic peace of endless rest.