The great one that strikes the golden harp.”
“That is glorious!” exclaimed Io, with kindling eyes. “We might set that translation to music and sing it in church.”
“Such traditions must have wonderfully prepared the way for Christian missionaries,” observed Oscar.
“They did indeed,” replied the chaplain. “The Word of God was received and welcomed too; for there was a prophecy that something was coming which would affect the destiny of the Karen race. This curious prophecy runs thus: ‘Children and grandchildren, if the thing come by land, weep; if by water, laugh. It will not come in our days, but it will in yours.’”
“The English came by water!” exclaimed Io.
“Yes; and they came bringing the Word of Life. The once down-trodden Karens joyously sang:—
‘The sons of God, the white foreigners,
Dress in shining black and shining white;
The sons of God, the white foreigners,
Obtained the words of God.’