Page:Ballads of a Bohemian.djvu/135

Rh It leapt, it tried to catch his eye; Its master, yea, its God was there. Then, as a thrill of wonder sped Through throngs of shining seraphim, The Judge of All looked down and said: “Lo! here is who pleads for him.

“And who shall love of these the least, And who by word or look or deed Shall pity show to bird or beast. By Me shall have a friend in need. Aye, though his sin be black as night, And though he stand ’mid men alone, He shall be softened in My sight, And find a pleader by My Throne.

“So let this man to glory win; From life to life salvation glean; By pain and sacrifice and sin, Until he stand before Me–''clean. For he who loves the least of these (And here I say and here repeat) Shall win himself an angel’s pleas For Mercy at My Judgment Seat.”