Page:Themes and variations (IA themesvariations00wils).pdf/39
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
The Young Ruler.
27
THE YOUNG RULER.
Luke xviii., Mark x., Matt. xviii.
Oft in the Sabbath sunshine,
As I read in the Holy Word,
I turn to that brief description
Of the Ruler and Our Lord.
As I read in the Holy Word,
I turn to that brief description
Of the Ruler and Our Lord.
The Ruler was true and upright,
His hands unstained by sin,
His form was a brave translation
Of the noble soul within.
His hands unstained by sin,
His form was a brave translation
Of the noble soul within.
And One beholding him, loved him—
Alas, could such record be?
With the beam of heaven upon him,
He turned from its mystery.
Alas, could such record be?
With the beam of heaven upon him,
He turned from its mystery.
Though the centuries roll between us,
Yet we stand by his side to-day.
Ours too is the eager question;
And how sadly we turn away.
Yet we stand by his side to-day.
Ours too is the eager question;
And how sadly we turn away.
His name we know not, nor story;
Yet dreaming, I see him stand
In the shade of his mountain cedars
Looking over the summer land.
Yet dreaming, I see him stand
In the shade of his mountain cedars
Looking over the summer land.