Poem, undated
1) 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 no portion 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
2) Once when my scaunty meal was spread
He entered not a word he spake
Fast perishing for the want of bread
I gave him all he blest it brake
And ate but gave me part again
Mine was an angels portion then
And while I fed with eager haste
The crust was [?] to my taste
3) 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
Dipt and returned it running oer /
I drank and never thirsted more
4) Twas night the floods were out it blew
A winter huricane aloof
I heard his voice abroad and flew
To bid him welcome to my roof
I warmed I clothed and cheered my guest
Laid him on my own couch to rest
Then made the earth my bed and seemed
In adams garden while I dreamed
5) Striped wounded beaten nigh to death
I found him by the high way side
I roused his pulse brought back his breath
Received his spirit and supplied
Wine oil refreshment he was heald
I had myself a wound concealed
But from that hour fought the smart
And peace bound up my broken heart
6) In prison I saw him next condemed
To meet a traitors doom at morn
The tide of lying tongues I stemmed
And honored him midst shame and scorn
My friendship's utmost weal 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
7) Then in a moment to my view
The stranger darted from disguise
The tokens in his hands I knew
My Savior stood before my eyes
He spake and my poor name he named
These deeds shall thy memorial bee
Fear not thou didst them unto me
DATABASE CONTENT
| (7512) | DL1333.011 | 104 | Letters |
Tags: Food, Nature, Sadness
SOURCES
Poem, undated, DL1333.011, Nau Collection
