"River. Channel of thought"*

Once, in the Syria of a former day,
There dwelt a soldier, honored and obeyed.
He led her armies their victorious way,
And under tribute all her foemen laid.
Yet, Naaman was a leper!

Both young and old have ever loved this tale:
Honored the maid who knew that God could heal;
Rejoiced to find the prophet's word prevail,
Or blessed a wife's dear care or praised the zeal
Of Namman's loyal servants.

Who has not watched that pageant wend its way
And pause before the threshold of the seer?
Heard the discerning prophet calmly say,
Go wash in Jordan's river flowing near,
Seven times, and get thy healing?

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