And with his burning forehead bared, The hoar-frost on his yellow locks, The Leper finds himself before An open cave, wherein an ox And ass are stalled--dumb, placid brutes,-- Their manger rooted in the rocks. [Illustration] And in the midst--O Vision strange!-- A Woman glorious as the moon, Upon whose breast, a radiant Child Lies, like a rosebud blown in June, His eyes (twin-lamps of Paradise!) Making the night a brilliant noon. [Illustration] They look on Ragnal sweet, yet sad, And Ragnal bends his aching knee; He stretches forth his wasted arms, And cries: “Eternal praise to Thee! O Blessed Christ! Thine hour is come-- Complete the work begun in me!” [Illustration] And then, he swoons--how long--how short A space, he knows not--till his eyes He, languid, opens to the dawn, Faint-blushing in the eastern skies; And sees the cavern full of shapes, And blazing with a glad surprise! [Illustration: _And in the midst--O Vision strange!-- A Woman glorious as the moon, Upon whose breast, a radiant Child Lies, like a rosebud blown in June._ (_See page 16._) ] [Illustration] An altar cloth’d with pure samite, Adorned with gold and precious stones-- A Christian priest in vestments white Baptizing many little ones; And all the people on their knees Singing in full, melodious tones!-- [Illustration] Whose hand on Ragnal’s shoulder lies? Whose sweet voice murmurs in his ear? “For such as _thou_, the Christ was born; Arise, Prince Ragnal, and draw near!” A veiléd woman leads him down To where the altar-lights shine clear. [Illustration] The Hidden Presence strong and sweet His erring son would closer draw. In the warm glory of the shrine, His icy blood begins to thaw: Yet Ragnal dare not lift his eyes-- He trembles with delicious awe. [Illustration] What time the children yield him place, (Without a look or sign of dread), Kneeling before the agéd priest, The sacred words are softly said; And with a thrill of joy, he feels The saving waters on his head. [Illustration] O miracle of purest faith! The people shout and clap their hands-- Like some foul mantle, earthward, cast, Down drop the Leper’s loathsome bands!-- Ragnal, the Golden-hair’d, once more, In manly beauty, perfect, stands! [Illustration] While, clear and strong to Heaven’s high court, Goes up the glorious Christmas hymn-- The shrouded woman at his side Flings back her veil from eyes that swim With happy tears--and Dympna’s face Shines star-like, from the shadows dim! [Illustration] Forgiven the past--forgot the pains Which made _that_ face his bitterest dream; A trusting smile is on its lips, Its eyes with glad affection beam, While, down the Prince’s waving beard, The grateful tears, unbidden, stream. [Illustration]