THE ASHES OF THE PALMS.
The Disciple.
“Are ashes scarce that palms must burn,
Those sweet memorials of the only day
Of triumph that thou hadst, my Prince,
Upon this woeful earth?”
The Master.
“All glory unto ashes, child, must turn,
Of which this deathly world can make display.
These ashes on proud heads convince
Proud hearts of glory’s worth.”
The Disciple.
“If palms to ashes must,
So be 't. I still will live to praise,
Though glory’s gage should burn.”
The Master.
“E’en thou art naught but dust.
The mark thy forehead bears betrays
To what thou shalt return.”
Ash Wednesday