Page:Poems Tynan.djvu/139

For he was praying yet,
 And on his illumined face
 A shamed and loving gaze
The terrible wolf had set.

When they came through the town,
 His hand that beast did stroke,
 He spake unto the folk
Flocking to touch his gown.

A sweet discourse was this:
 He prayed them that they make
 Peace, for the Lord Christ's sake,
With this poor wolf of His;

And told them of their sins,
 How each was deadlier far
 Than wolves or lions are,
Or sharks with sword-like fins.

Afterwards some came near,
 Took the beast's paw and shook,
 And answered his sad look
With words of honest cheer.

Our father, ere he went,
 Bade that each one should leave
 Some food at morn and eve
For his poor penitent.

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