What skilful limner e'er would choose
To paint the rainbow's varying hues,
Unless to mortal it were read more

What skilful limner e'er would choose
To paint the rainbow's varying hues,
Unless to mortal it were given
To dip his brush in dyes of heaven?

Pride of the dewy morning,
The swain's experienced eye
From thee takes timely warning.
read more

Pride of the dewy morning,
The swain's experienced eye
From thee takes timely warning.
Nor trusts the gorgeous sky.
- John Keble,

God loves an idle rainbow,
No less than laboring seas.

God loves an idle rainbow,
No less than laboring seas.

Triumphal arch, that fill'st the sky
When storms prepare to part,
I ask not proud Philosophy
read more

Triumphal arch, that fill'st the sky
When storms prepare to part,
I ask not proud Philosophy
To teach me what thou art.

Rain, rain, and sun! a rainbow in the sky!

Rain, rain, and sun! a rainbow in the sky!

A rainbow in the morning
Is the Shepherd's warning;
But a rainbow at night
read more

A rainbow in the morning
Is the Shepherd's warning;
But a rainbow at night
Is the Shepherd's delight.

Hung on the shower that fronts the golden West,
The rainbow bursts like magic on mine eyes!
read more

Hung on the shower that fronts the golden West,
The rainbow bursts like magic on mine eyes!
In hues of ancient promise there imprest;
Frail in its date, eternal in its guise.

And, lo! in the dark east, expanded high,
The rainbow brightens to the setting Sun.

And, lo! in the dark east, expanded high,
The rainbow brightens to the setting Sun.

Bright pledge of peace and sunshine! the sure tie
Of thy Lord's hand, the object of His eye!
read more

Bright pledge of peace and sunshine! the sure tie
Of thy Lord's hand, the object of His eye!
When I behold thee, though my light be dim,
Distinct, and low, I can in thine see Him
Who looks upon thee from His glorious throne,
And minds the covenant between all and One.