Page:Murder of King Kenneth.pdf/4

 "There knelt they and worshipp’d for days upon end, And fared from but barely stored scrips; Nor had they a measure of wine—but alone This water to moisten their lips.

“And this crystal stream—thou may’st smile but it’s true, Was long tho’t so wonderous pure, That the deadliest wounds of body or soul. From its virtues received a cure!

“But the mightiest pilgrim that ever came here, Was a monarch both famous and wise; But, alas for his fate! ” the sage bent his head, And tears gather’d fast in his eyes.

“Why griev’st thou, my friend,” I enquir’d from my heart “Was the stranger of thy kin or race?” “Ah no ! but I grieve as all Christians should do. When Religion cloaks deeds of disgrace.

“When teachers and patterns of Virtue are first To stain their own creeds by a crime, They stagger weak minds, and enforce a belief That Faith’s but a creature of Time.

“The beggar that does as he would be done to, Is a gem for the Crown that’s on high ; But those who do not—whether king, peer, or priest,— Have minds that I dare not envy!

“But within yon old chapel, if with me thou'lt go, I'll show thee a trophy most fine.” He rose slowly up, and with help climb'd the brae, For his age was four-score and nine.

“I thank thee,” he smilingly said as we leant ’Gainst the trunk of a shadowy tree— “If thou livest as long in the world as I, Thou’lt be glad of assistance, like me!"

We enter’d the building, a small dingy place, With an arch in the easter’most end— “ ’Tis there,” he said gravely, “Palladius was laid. And on him may Our Lady attend!