Ruby Lily 



This is the most fragrant of all California wild 

 flowers or perhaps of any in the world. The 

 perfumes of all spices seem blended and 

 poured into their waxen cups, which they 

 generously give out to the passing breeze. 

 It is a mountain flower not easily found. 

 It opens pure white, dotted with purple, and 

 gradually turns to a ruby color. It attains 

 the height of seven to nine feet. 



Searching and strange in its sweetness, 

 It steals like a perfume enchanted 



Under the arch of the forest, and all who 

 Perceive it are haunted, 



Seeking, and seeking forever, till sight of 

 The lily is granted. 



Henry Van Dyke 



[18 



