Page:Poems Clark.djvu/48

In wonder he saw that a stranger
 Had taken a seat with the rest,
And Gregory said, "In the name of the Lord;"
 And thus welcomed his unbidden guest.

But his wonder increased when he noted,
 By him only the stranger was seen;
And his heart glowed with tenderest pity
 As he marked the man's sorrowful mien.

When the supper was over, the stranger,
 Stood, as waiting Saint Gregory's quest,
Who asked him in wonder the question,
 "Who art thou who come as my guest?"

And the beautiful words of the answer,
 Were like balm to the listener's heart,—
"My name is the Wonderful, ask and receive,
 For a true faithful servant thou art."

"Thus in feeding the poor and afflicted,—
 In speaking the comforting word,—
In sharing with others thy blessings,
 Thou hast cared for and succored thy Lord."

In amazement Saint Gregory listened,
 Reverently bowing his head,
And when silence again fell around him,
 The wonderful vision had fled.

But his heart kept the beautiful picture,
 That grew dearer as year followed year;
He made life one continuous blessing,
 And good souls hold his memory dear.

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