Volume 2 — From The Literary Workman. ST. ELIZABETH.
Reading edition
"Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me."
A shrill and joyous summons At Wartburg's postern rang. And lightly from his panting steed The princely Landgrave sprang. Comes forth his stately mother To meet him in her pride, But the quick glance of Louis seeks The sweet face of his bride. Then scornful spoke the Landgravine, "Fair son, thy lady sweet Hath cares too urgent thus in haste Thy coming step to greet. Upon thy couch so stately, Within thy chamber fair, A vile and loathsome leper She tends with pious care." A wrathful man was Louis, Yet not a word he said, But up the castle's echoing stair In quivering haste he sped— Within her silent chamber, As o'er the couch she hung, Her lord's returning bugle Had all unheeded rung. In silent ecstacy she knelt, Her heart so hushed in prayer. It thrilled not at his longed-for step, Now echoing on the stair. With hasty hand young Louis tore The coverlid aside— The lifeless form before him lay Of Jesus crucified, Bleeding and pale, as in the hour When for our sins he died. "See, mother, see the Leper She brings to be our guest, Whom only she prefers to me— May his dear name be blest Elizabeth, sweet sister. Still bring such guests to me; Sinful and all unworthy I am of him and thee; Yet train me in thy patient love His guest in heaven to be."
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