Page:The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East, Volume 08.djvu/54



The Master did himself these vessels frame,

Why should he cast them out to scorn and shame?

If he has made them well, why should he break them?

Yea, though he marred them, they are not to blame.

Kindness to friends and foes 'tis well to show,

No kindly heart can prove unkind, I trow:

Harshness will alienate a bosom friend,

And kindness reconcile a deadly foe.

To lovers true, what matters dark or fair?

Or if the loved one silk or sackcloth wear,

Or lie on down or dust, or rise to heaven?

Yea, though she sink to hell, he'll seek her there.

Full many a hill and vale I journeyed o'er;

Yea, journeyed through the world's wide quarters four,

But never heard of pilgrim who returned;

When once they go, they go to come no more.

Wine-houses flourish through this thirst of mine,

Loads of remorse weigh down this back of mine;

Yet, if I sinned not, what would mercy do?

Mercy depends upon these sins of mine.

Thy being is the being of Another,

Thy passion is the passion of Another.

Cover thy head, and think, and thou wilt see

Thy hand is but the cover of Another.