Passing Berytus' ancient strand,
I journeyed in the Holy Land,
And made my way to Sychar's wall;
And there, within his princely hall,
By the kind ruler of the place
Was welcomed. Stretching out his hand,
With wonted Oriental grace;
Then said he smilingly: 'Now come,
And make my house your own-your home.'
He led me to his soft divan,
Where stood a grave Samaritan,
One of the few of that sad band,
Thin scattered o'er their native land,
Where still they chant their grateful hymn
Upon the sainted Gherizim.
He took me to the temple there,
And with a reverential air
Placed in my hands, while he unrolled,
That record, so rumoured of old,
Which speaks in language clear and bold
What seemed celestial words to him:
'Avoid the tempting words of them
Who worship at Jerusalem:
Go thou and thine to Gherizim.'
'What brings you, Christian, to this place?
What interests you in our poor race?'
He asked. I told him, smiling too,
Of that sweet tale our youth had heard,
And charmed the wondering sheikh appeared,
Exclaiming-'O, that tale is true!'
This was the tale. A certain man,
While journeying from Jerusalem
To Jericho, met robber bands,
And fell into their treacherous hands:
They robbed him, wounded him, and fled,
Leaving their victim nearly dead.
A certain priest passed there by chance,
And turned with an averted glance
On t'other side. A Levite then
Came-looked, and with cold disdain
He marched away. But lo! at last,
By pity moved, a traveller passed,
And raised the weary, wounded man-
That traveller, a Samaritan!
He gave him wine to drink: he poured
The fragrant oil upon his breast;
And heart, and hope, and strength restored,
He placed him on his cherished beast;
Conveyed him to an inn, and there
Commended him to every care;
And, ere he left, he called the host,
'And here are pennies two,' he said:
'Know that thy kindness is not lost;
All, all, shall amply be repaid:
All that thou spendest I'll repay,
Thankful, at some not distant day.'
Now hear the voice of Jesus say,
'These are the deeds I ask of you:
This is the friend, the neighbour true,
My follower is this pitying man,
And he is a Samaritan.
So learn the lesson now from me,
And diligently do as he.'