The Bride's Veil - (Psalm Xlv. 15). Poem by Martin Farquhar Tupper

Raiment of needle-work,-- that is the dress
For the bride of The Lord our righteousness;
Delicate lace on a vesture of gold,
Richest in pattern, and rare to behold:

Raiment of needle-work, tenderly wrought,
Such is her robe, when the bride shall be brought;
Such her fair veil that, flower by flower,
Grew o'er her loveliness hour by hour.

Raiment of needle-work; delicate skill
In twining the threads of the heart and the will;
Sweet tempers, kind offices, gentle wise words,
Daily self-sacrifice, likest her Lord's.

Raiment of needlework, wrought through the hands
Of guardian angels who do His commands,
And minister grace from the Bridegroom above
To His mystical bride in her lace-veil of love:

Raiment of needlework! Patience, and pray'r,
Charity, purity, faith, are all there,
Weaving by trivial touches in time
Her robe of the Spirit, eternal, sublime.