The Gardener of Sinope
Here Phocas answered, "Do not wait,
But make an end, and quickly. I
Have God's sure warrant I shall die.
Slay me and fear not. Know that death
Gives all life only promiseth;
No Christian fears to die. But this
I ask you: lay me in the grave
Outside, where the apple-orchard is.
Now make an end ; I pardon you.
O Christ, my Saviour, I pray Thee, save
These men that know not what they do."
Then Phocas led them to the shade
Of apple boughs, and on the sward
Awhile he knelt. The younger prayed
And wept ; the elder drew his sword.
Struck at the reverent, bowed head
Once, twice, and Phocas lay there dead.
One brought back the bloody sword.
Two claimed a murderer's reward.
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