A LEGEND OF THE INFANT JESUS.[164]

In a small chapel, rich with carving quaint Of mystic symbols and devices bold, Where glowed the face of many a pictured saint From windows high, in gorgeous drapery's fold, And one large mellowed painting o'er the shrine Showed in the arms of Mary—mother mild— Down-looking with a tenderness divine In his clear shining eyes, the Holy Child— Two little brothers, orphans young and fair, Who came in sacred lessons to be taught, Waited, as every day they waited there, Till Frey Bernardo came, his pupils sought, And fed his Master's lambs. Most innocent Of evil knowledge or of worldly lure Those children were; from e'en the slightest taint Had Jesu's blood their guileless souls kept pure! A pious man that good Dominican, Whose life with gentle charities was crowned; His duties in the church as sacristan, For hours in daily routine kept him bound, While that young pair awaited his release Seated upon the altar-steps, or spread Thereon their morning meal, and ate in peace And simple thankfulness their fruit and bread. And often did their lifted glances meet The Infant Jesu's eyes; and oft he smiled— So thought the children; sympathy so sweet Brought blessing to them from the Blessed Child! Until one day when Frey Bernardo came, The little ones ran forth; with clasping hold Each seized his hand, and each with wild acclaim, In eager words the tale of wonder told: "O father, father!" both the children cried, "The caro Jesu! He has heard our prayer! We prayed him to come down and sit beside Us as we ate, and of our feast take share: And he came down, and tasted of our bread, And sat and smiled upon us, father dear!" Pallid with strange amaze, Bernardo said, "Grace beyond marvel! Hath the Lord been here? "The heaven of heavens his dwelling—doth he deign To visit little children? Favored ye Beyond all those on earthly thrones who reign, In having seen this strangest mystery! O lambs of his dear flock! to-morrow pray Jesu to come again to grace your board And sup with you; and if he comes, then say, 'Bid us to thy own table, blessed Lord!' "'Our master too!' do not forget to plead For me, dear children! In humility I will entreat him your meek prayer to heed, That so his mercy may extend to me!" Then, a hand laying on each lovely head, Devoutly the old man the children blessed: "Come early on the morrow morn," he said; "To meet—if such his will—your heavenly Guest!" To meet their pastor by the next noon ran The youthful pair, their eyes with rapture bright; "He came!" their happy lisping tongues began; "He says we all shall sup with him to-night! Thou too, dear father; for we could not come Alone, without our faithful friend—we said; Oh! be thou sure our pleadings were not dumb, Till Jesu smiled consent, and bowed his head." In thankful joy Bernardo prostrate fell, And through the hours he lay entranced in prayer; Until the solemn sound of vesper bell Aroused him, breaking on the silent air. Then rose he calm, and when the psalms were o'er And in the aisles the chant had died away, With soul still bowed his Master to adore, Alone he watched the fast departing day. Two silvery voices, calling through the gloom With seraph sweetness, reached his listening ear; And swiftly passing 'neath the lofty dome, Soon side by side he and his children dear Entered the ancient chapel consecrate By grace mysterious. Kneeling at the shrine, Before which robed in sacerdotal state, That morning he had blessed the bread and wine, Bernardo prayed. And then the chosen three Partook the sacred hosts the priest had blessed, Viaticum for those so soon to be Borne to the country of eternal rest; Bidden that night to sup with Christ! in faith Waiting for him, their Lord beloved, to come And lead them upward from this land of death To live for ever in his Father's home! In that same chapel, kneeling in their place, All were found dead; their hands still clasped in prayer; Their eyes uplifted to the Saviour's face, The hallowed peace of heaven abiding there! While thousands came that wondrous scene to view, And hear the story of the chosen three; Thence gathering the lesson deep and true— It is the crown of life with Christ to be.