A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief

A poor wayfaring man of grief

Hath often crossed me on my way,

Who sued so humbly for relief

That i could never answer nay:

I had not power to ask his name,

Whither he went or whence he came;

Yet there was something in his eye

That won my love, i know not why.

Once when my scanty meal was spread,

He entered; not a word he spake;

Just perishing for want of bread;

I gave him all: he blessed it, brake;

And ate, but gave me part again;

Mine was an angel's portion then,

For while i fed with eager haste,

The crust was manna to my taste.

I spied him where a fountain burst

Clear from the rock; - his strength was gone;

The heedless water mocked his thirst,

He heard it, saw it, hurrying on:

I ran and raised the sufferer up,

Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,

Dipped and returned it running o'er;

I drank, and never thirsted more.

'twas night, the floods were out, it blew

A winter hurricane aloof;

I heard his voice abroad, and flew

To bid him welcome to my roof:

I warmed, i clothed, i cheered my guest,

I laid him on my couch to rest,

Then made the earth my bed, and seemed

In eden's garden while i dreamed.

Stript, wounded beaten, nigh to death,

I found him by the highway side;

I roused his pulse, brought back his breath,

Revived his spirit, and supplied

Wine, oil, refreshment; he was healed;

I had, myself, a wound concealed,

But from that hour forgot the smart,

And peace bound up my broken heart.

In prison i saw him next, - condemned

To meet a traitor's doom at morn;

The tide of lying tongues i stemmed,

And honoured him mid'st shame and scorn:

My friendship's utmost zeal to try,

He asked - if i for him would die;

The flesh was weak, my blood ran chill,

But the free spirit cried, "i will."

Then in a moment to my view,

The stranger started from disguise;

The tokens in his hands i knew,

My saviour stood before mine eyes;

He spake - and my poor name he named. -

"of me thou hast not been ashamed.

"these deeds shall thy memorial be;

"fear not, thou didst them unto me."