Its inmates saw the Saint, and t'wards him sped Eager as birds that, when the grain is flung In fountained cloister-court of Eastern church, From all sides flock, with sudden rush of wings, Darkening the pavement. Youths and maids came first; Their elders followed: some his garments kissed, And some his hands. The venerable man Stretched forth his arms, as though to clasp them all: Above them next he signed his Master's cross; Then, while the tears ran down his aged face, Brake forth in grateful joy; 'To God the praise! When, forty years ago, I roamed this vale A haunt it was of rapine and of wars; Now see I pleasant pastures, peaceful homes, And faces peacefuller yet. That God Who walked With His disciples 'mid the sabbath fields While they the wheat-ears bruised, His sabbath keeps Within your hearts this day! His harvest ye! Once more a-hungered are His holy priests; They hunger for your souls; with reverent palms Daily the chaff they separate from the grain; Daily His Church within her heart receives you, Yea, with her heavenly substance makes you one; Ye grow to be her eyes that see His truth; Her ears that hear His voice; her hands that pluck His tree of life; her feet that walk His ways. Honouring God's priests ye err not, O my friends, Since thus ye honour God. In Him rejoice!' So spake he, and his gladness kindled theirs; With it their courage. One her infant brought And sued for him a blessing. One, bereaved, Cried out: 'Your promised peace has come at last; No more I wish him back to earth!' Again Old foes shook hands; while now, their fears forgot, Children that lately nestled at his feet Clomb to his knees. Then called from out that crowd A blind man; 'Read once more that Book of God! For, after you had left us, many a month I, who can neither see the sun nor moon, Saw oft the God-Man walking farms and fields Of that fair Eastern land!' He spake, and lo! All those around that heard him clamoured, 'Read!'