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THE STRAYED OX.

Tune―"Send Me"

Why condemn the self-concealer,
 Leaving but an Ox to stray?
And applaud the spirit-dealer,
 Luring souls to Satan’s sway?
If a brother’s Son should wander
 From the path of life and truth,
Should you like a cold by-stander,
 For your profit blight his youth?

Know you not, the faithful Spirit
 Solemn warning all hath given,
That no drunkard can inherit
 Everlasting life in heaven?
What, you force not your October,
 Or Devanku down his throat!
What, not bound to keep him sober,
 Or refuse his hindmost groat!

Ah, the man who slew his brother
 Asked—“Must I my brother keep?"
Gain may conscience try to smother;
 Vengeance will not always sleep!