SWEETEST of the flowers a-blooming br In the fragrant vernal days br Is the Lily of the Valley br With its soft, retiring ways. br Well, you chose this humble blossom br As the nurse's emblem flower, br Who grows more like her ideal br Every day and every hour. br Like the Lily of the Valley br In her honesty and worth, br Ah, she blooms in truth and virtue br In the quiet nooks of earth. br Tho' she stands erect in honor br When the heart of mankind bleeds, br Still she hides her own deserving br In the beauty of her deeds. br In the silence of the darkness br Where no eye may see and know, br There her footsteps shod with mercy, br And fleet kindness come and go. br Not amid the sounds of plaudits, br Nor before the garish day, br Does she shed her soul's sweet perfume, br Does she take her gentle way. br But alike her ideal flower, br With its honey-laden breath, br Still her heart blooms forth its beauty br In the valley shades of death.