'A bundle of myrrh is my Beloved to me. He shall abide between my
breasts' (_Cant_. i. 12), in order that I may incessantly inhale its
bitterness.
The afflictions of this life are like the flowers that precede the
fruits of glory; and the blood which we shed is as a royal unction
which consecrates us to immortality.--_St. Greg. Nyssen._
The rose grows amidst thorns; and the most beautiful and most solid
virtues grow amidst the severest contradictions.--_St. Francis of
Sales._
No one will be crowned with roses, if he be not first crowned with the
thorns of Our Saviour.--_The same._
Our actions are like roses, which, though more pleasing when fresh,
are yet sweeter and more agreeable when faded. Thus, although works
performed with consolation are more pleasing to us; yet if they be
done in the state of aridity, they have a sweeter odour, higher value
before God.--_The same._