Shimei in his feebleness and distress is ministered to by the companions of Paul. Thus relieved, he falls asleep and dreams. On his waking, ministration to his needs is renewed; and, strengthened now with nourishment, he sleeps out the night. The next morning he finds himself an altered man. He at length makes some loth acknowledgment to Paul, who in turn expresses his own sorrow for high words spoken in pride against Shimei. A storm some days after rises, and Shimei meets a sudden and awful doom. THE LAST OF SHIMEI. A parable in life of perfect love (Other than was in heaven to be beheld), The clustering angels, crowded nigh to see, Saw in the things that then and there befell. It might indeed have been a scene let down Suddenly from above in lively show Of love in act on earth like love in heaven-- Only that never in heaven is need of act, From love, of mercy such as now was seen, A living picture, on that vessel's deck! Luke the physician, at a sign from Paul, With Aristarchus, one on either side, Supported Shimei, tottering as he went (Too weak to wish or will or this or that, Or otherwise behave than just submit), To where with feat celerity meanwhile The women, of one mind, Rachel and Ruth And fair Eunicé, in a sheltered place Had spread, of rug and pillow thither brought, A sudden couch whereon a man might rest. Stephen, from out the store of frugal cheer By his forecasting mother's care purveyed-- Provision for the needs that might attend The chances of sea-faring--brought and broached A flagon of sweet wine. This, to the lips Of Shimei in a slender goblet pressed, Cheered him his heart and made him seem to live. All was in silence done, and then, withdrawn A little from about the man supine, That company of ministrants, one will-- Among them Mary Magdalené too, Pathetic, with her deep-experienced eyes-- Kept quiet watch and wished that he might sleep.