New Zealand Verse/Constraint
CLXVI.
Constraint.
I heard a voice crying unto me,
And I answered, “Yea, Lord.”
And it spoke again saying,
“Knowest thou me?”
And I answered, “Yea, Lord.”
And the voice spoke again, saying:
“Upon those that know is laid the burden;
Arise, shine, for your light is come.”
And I made answer, “O Lord, I am afraid.”
And the voice ceased.
I rose up and turned away,
Moving along the well-worn path
To my own home.
But the ground was all stained
As with the steps of feet that bled;
And I knew Who was before me,
Knew the love and the sorrow;
And fear fell from me like a garment,
And I girt my robes about me,
And fled after Him—whither I could not tell;
Only it was the way that He had gone.
And I answered, “Yea, Lord.”
And it spoke again saying,
“Knowest thou me?”
And I answered, “Yea, Lord.”
And the voice spoke again, saying:
“Upon those that know is laid the burden;
Arise, shine, for your light is come.”
And I made answer, “O Lord, I am afraid.”
And the voice ceased.
I rose up and turned away,
Moving along the well-worn path
To my own home.
But the ground was all stained
As with the steps of feet that bled;
And I knew Who was before me,
Knew the love and the sorrow;
And fear fell from me like a garment,
And I girt my robes about me,
And fled after Him—whither I could not tell;
Only it was the way that He had gone.
Mary E. Richmond