AN ANGEL’S MESSAGE.
“Make merry,” cried the king, “drive care away.
I would not think of crown nor nation now.
The gayest of the gay I fain would be,
I would that none today before me bow.”
“Today I would as humblest subject be,
And I would even know the want of food.
A vision was vouchsafed to me this morn,
Methinks an angel by my bedside stood.”
“And one by one he placed before mine eyes
My subjects poor, who live in direst need,
Whilst I, in thoughtless rioting have dwelt.
And not of them have ever taken heed.”
“Make haste and send swift couriers o’er the land,
Through every hamlet, and through every town.
Henceforth my scepter shall be love to all,
And justice evermore shall be my crown.”
“Instead of pomp and pageantry, I will
Hereafter seek to know my subjects all;
Henceforth I’ll be a king in very sooth,
And none need fear upon their king to call.”
“A monarch I will be of stricken hearts;
Loud hallelujahs through my kingdom ring,
For nevermore shall Hunger stalk abroad,
A dark, dark blot upon the title, King.”
“Swift justice shall be meted out to all;
Mine eyes are opened now.—I have been blind
To all the misery that around me lay,
All heedless of the sufferings of mankind.”
“So, merry be, for I have found my soul,
And Love is now the watchword of your king.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, henceforth.
Glad tidings now to all my people bring.”