50
THE OLD KING'S ATONEMENT.
I only know that still the peasants say,
In his far country, that a strange King walks
All night before the Lord Christ's glad birthday,
And leaves no track—a King who never talks!
In his far country, that a strange King walks
All night before the Lord Christ's glad birthday,
And leaves no track—a King who never talks!
And sometimes children, stealing from their bed,
To look if the slow morning yet be near,
Have seen his sweeping beard and hooded head,
And grey, still smile, with never any fear.
To look if the slow morning yet be near,
Have seen his sweeping beard and hooded head,
And grey, still smile, with never any fear.
They know the dawn will light the loveliest things,
Left in the silence by their silent friend.
They know the strange King is the best of kings,
And mean to love him till the world shall end.
Left in the silence by their silent friend.
They know the strange King is the best of kings,
And mean to love him till the world shall end.
