A pearl, a girl

A simple ring with a single stone,

To the vulgar eye no stone of price:

Whisper the right word, that alone --

Forth starts a sprite, like fire from ice,

And lo, you are lord (says an Eastern scroll)

Of heaven and earth, lord whole and sole

Through the power in a pearl.

A woman ('tis I this time that say)

With little the world counts worthy praise

Utter the true word -- out and away

Escapes her soul: I am wrapt in blaze,

Creation's lord, of heaven and earth

Lord whole and sole -- by a minute's birth --

Through the love in a girl!