The Church looked down at her plain white robes,

And then at the dazzling World,

And blushed as she saw his handsome lip

With a smile contemptuous curled.

'I will change my dress for a costlier one,'

Said the Church with a smile of grace;

Then her pure garments drifted away,

And the World gave in their place,

Beautiful satins, and shining silks,

And roses and gems and pearls;