Our Guest

CASSIUS M. LOOMIS

He came unto our home one eve, alone.
Footsore, but loving all the world, his heart
So full of healing thoughts and deeds that I,
As well as sister Martha, found new strength
To meet the burdens of our daily round.
Could I but sit and listen? Not a word,
Yea, not a murmur of complaint had he.
That day the fury of an angry mob
Had lashed him sore, but not one word of blame
Had he for those who scorned and hated him.
Oh, priceless moments these! 'Twere heaven to know
That he with all his being loved us so.

And Lazarus? Soon we heard his manly tread;
From out yon field of harvest had he come.
A love so pure that angels sang its praise
Had raised our brother from an early grave.
The silent tears our guest had shed that day,
What depths of sorrow must have prompted them!
A happy company of four, we sat around
Our frugal board that night, and he who stilled
The tempest broke the bread of life for us
In simple parables. Like children we,
Our ears were eager bent. I, Mary, heard
With prayer of utter thanks each precious word.

Before the twilight deepened into shade,
And our repast had ended, 'round us came
The halo of a perfect peace. I sat
At Jesus' feet and watched the stars come out,
While Martha, cumbered much with serving, cleared
The board and put her spotless house to rights.
Our Master still talked on; and Lazarus, too,
Paid heed with heart aflame. And when at last
The hour grew late and others were asleep,
I gave to God my thanks with speechless awe.
I could not sleep while sang the stars that night;
With heaven at hand, and Christ our princely guest,
These joys unfathomed gave me fonder rest.