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THE BOY WHO CARRIED THE CROSS.
On his fair, unsullied forehead
Once signed with that sign of grace,
could almost see its glory
Lighting his lovely face.
Once signed with that sign of grace,
could almost see its glory
Lighting his lovely face.
First and foremost by virtue
Of all that youth could claim,
He was first and foremost also
In a life that knew no blame.
Of all that youth could claim,
He was first and foremost also
In a life that knew no blame.
So brilliant his future's promise
Fame must be his portion, we said;
But the crown of Christian triumph
Already ennobled his head.
Fame must be his portion, we said;
But the crown of Christian triumph
Already ennobled his head.
Unselfish, beloved and ardent
Whether in labor or play,
He carried his dear Lord's honor
Wherever he wended his way.
Whether in labor or play,
He carried his dear Lord's honor
Wherever he wended his way.
And if he had lived to gather
The laurels of all the earth,
And all the winds of heaven
Had wafted to men his worth;
The laurels of all the earth,
And all the winds of heaven
Had wafted to men his worth;
If he had lived, and dying
Been mourned as a nation's loss,
I still should have seen but this vision
Of the boy who carried the Cross.
Been mourned as a nation's loss,
I still should have seen but this vision
Of the boy who carried the Cross.
