'I never cease pouring out thanks to God For thee, my brother, in my daily prayers; I hear such tidings of thy faith and love Toward our Lord Jesus and toward all God's own. I pray thy faith may multiply itself Richly in others, and of influence prove To spread the knowledge everywhere abroad Of all the good in us to work for Christ. Joy have I and sweet comfort in thy love, Because God's people oft have been in heart Cheered by thee, brother. So, albeit I might Boldly in the authority of Christ Enjoin upon thee what is seemly, yet For love's sake I beseech thee rather, I, Being such as Paul the aged, prisoner now Of Jesus Christ--beseech thee for my son Whom I have late begotten in my bonds, Onesimus; unprofitable once To thee but now to thee and me alike Found profitable. I have sent him back-- Him have sent back, that is, mine own heart sent; I fain myself had kept him with me here To minister to me in thy stead, while I For preaching the glad tidings wear these bonds; But I would nothing do without thy mind In order that thy kindness may not be As of compulsion but of free good will. Who knows but in God's grace and wisdom he Was parted from thee for a little time That thou mightst have him for thine own forever, As slave no longer, but above a slave, Brother belovéd now, greatly to me, But how much more to thee, both in the flesh And in the Lord! If then a partner's place I hold in thy regard, receive thou him Even as myself. If he have wronged thee aught, Or anywise have fallen in debt to thee, Put that to mine account.' Until these words, Paul had let Stephen catch with ear alert What issued hastening from his fervid lips, And fix it on the parchment with swift hand. But now himself he seized the pen and wrote As so to make his promise fast and good. 'Put that to mine account,' he wrote; 'I, Paul, Write this with mine own hand; I will repay Thee; for I would not say to thee that thou Owest to me thy very self besides. Yea, brother'--now by Stephen's hand once more-- Let me have joy of thee in Christ the Lord; Comfort thou me in Him. I write to thee In fullest faith of thine obedient heed; Thou wilt go even beyond my word I know. Moreover I have hope to be thy guest Erelong; make ready for me; through the prayers Of you belovéd all, I trust to come. Epaphras, fellow-prisoner of mine In Jesus Christ, sends greeting to thee; Mark Likewise, and Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, My fellow-laborers, wish thee health and peace. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ abide A guestship with your spirit evermore!'