ST. FRANCIS AND THE WOLF
And with the Cross signed him:
The wolf fell back a-stare,
Sat on his haunches there,
Forbidding, black, and grim.
The wolf fell back a-stare,
Sat on his haunches there,
Forbidding, black, and grim.
"Come nearer, in Christ's name,"
Said Francis, and, so bid,
Like a small dog that 's chid,
The fierce beast fawning came,
Said Francis, and, so bid,
Like a small dog that 's chid,
The fierce beast fawning came,
Trotting against his side,
And licked the tender hand
That with soft touch and bland
Caressed his wicked hide.
And licked the tender hand
That with soft touch and bland
Caressed his wicked hide.
"Brother," the Saint said then,
"Who gave thee leave to kill?
Thou hast slain of thine own will
Not only beasts but men.
"Who gave thee leave to kill?
Thou hast slain of thine own will
Not only beasts but men.
"And God is wroth with thee:
If thou wilt not repent
His anger shall be sent
To smite thee terribly.
If thou wilt not repent
His anger shall be sent
To smite thee terribly.
"See, all men hate thy name,
And with it mothers fright
The froward child by night;
Great are thy sin and shame.
And with it mothers fright
The froward child by night;
Great are thy sin and shame.
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