Page:Bohemian poems, ancient and modern (Lyra czecho-slovanska).djvu/143

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ORIGINAL POEMS.
107

Yea, and her offspring came at length
To woe and deep distress,
And at his schools was freely taught
The paths of righteousness.

‘And thus, Sir,’ said the agèd man,
Who told to me the tale,
‘And thus it was that Christ look’d down
‘Upon the poor man’s wail.’

‘O wondrous is the Lord,’ I said,
‘And wondrous are his ways,
‘Who turneth present ill to good,
‘As penitence to praise.

‘The sorrow of the rich man’s soul
‘Hath help’d the poor man’s smart;
‘And blessèd be God’s discipline,
‘That thaws and melts the heart.’