Lipium Auratum

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, 1 May 1901, Page 598

Lipium Auratum

Sweet exile from the morning land, In vesture pure and pearly, Slashed here and there "with sunny band, O'er-patterned like a tiny pea, Plush flecks of brown are clotted free; From calyx to petal's outmost span linns faintly fine a vernal plea, Golden rayed Lily of Japan. To Fujiyama's crimson land, The snowy-blossoming plum tree, The deft, demure miisume band, The fragrant-scented kiosk tea, The magic-mirror inland sea, The flutter of a geisha's fan — Thou art an open sesame, Golden rayed Lily of Japan.

When Progress lifts her sceptred hand, Thy country bends the willing knee ; Sure never since the world was planned Could any fairer envoy be To that unrivalled Arcady, For beauty-questing amorous man, Who seeks the Rising Sun with thee, Golden rayed Lily of Japan.

ENVOY

Witch ! spread white wings, more swift we'll flee Than ever Phoebus coursers ran, To all the bliss thou hold'st in fee, Golden raven Lily of Japan.

M. A. Sinclair