VAN
ELSEN .
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|
GOD
spake three times and saved Van Elsen’s soul;
He spake by sickness first, and made him whole;
Van
Elsen heard Him not,
Or
soon forgot.
God spake to him by wealth; the world outpoured
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5 |
Its
treasures at his feet; and called him lord;
Van
Elsen’s heart grew fat
And
proud thereat.
God spake the third time when the great world
smiled,
And in the sunshine slew his little child;
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10 |
Van
Elsen like a tree
Fell
hopelessly.
Then in the darkness came a voice which said,
“As thy heart bleedeth so My heart hath
bled;
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15 |
| As
I have need of thee, |
|
| Thou
needest Me.” [Page 108]
That night Van Elsen kissed the baby feet,
And kneeling by the narrow winding sheet,
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|
Praised
Him with fervent breath
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20 |
| Who
conquered death. [Page 109] |
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|
