Page:The poems of Emma Lazarus volume 1.djvu/110

And his parched tongue clave useless to his mouth.
As the last words resounded through the church,
And once again the pastor blessed his flock,
Who, serious and subdued, passed slowly down
The narrow aisle, none noted, near the wall,
A fallen man with face upon his knees,
A heap of huddled garments and loose hair,
Unconscious mid the rustling, murmurous stir,
Midst light and rural smell of grass and flowers,
Let in athwart the doorway. One lone priest,
Darkening the altar lights, moved noiselessly,
Now with the yellow glow upon his face,
Now a black shadow gliding farther on,
Amidst the smooth, slim pillars of hewn ash.
But from the vacant aisles he heard at once
A hollow sigh, heaved from a depth profound.
Upholding his last light above his head,
And peering eagerly amidst the stalls,
He cried, " Be blest who cometh in God’s name."
Then the gaunt form of Tannhauser arose.
" Father, I am a sinner, and I seek
Forgiveness and help, by whatso means
I can regain the joy of peace with God."
" The Lord hath mercy on the penitent.
’Although thy sins be scarlet, He hath said,
’Will I not make them white as wool ? Confess,
And I will shrive you." Thus the good priest moved