A Thistle, a Cedar and a Wild Beast

In Lebanon there was a thistle, A cedar, and a wild beast. The thistle was in full bloom. With its purple blossoms and prickly green leaves and stalk, It pierced all who would dare touch it. Though low to the earth for humility, One day out of its own pride and glory, The thistle threatened the cedar, who was standing tall and red Emitting its pure fragrance in the cool breeze With its branches lifted high and wide toward Heaven Full of unwithered green leaves. "Give your daughter to my son in marriage!" Shouted the thistle under a looming shadow. But the cedar held its peace, Neither felled it any of its branches. Then in a moment of terrible humiliation, A wild beast suddenly pounced upon and ferociously trampled The crowned and purple thistle and passed on by, But the cedar still stands there today. Uncrowned thistles and beasts rest under its shade.