Page:Dora Sigerson Shorter - New Poems.djvu/26

 The dying man he raised his head And laughed both long and loud, "Oh, ne'er a prayer would hold my hand Or keep you from your shroud.

"But by you went two mighty men To guard you either side, Else had my dagger reached your heart And surely you had died."

Then Father John upon his knees Bent low his holy head, "God's angels walked beside me there Lest you my blood should shed: My guardian angels walked by me, I thank Thee, Lord," he said.