Down stair by stair his quick feet flew,
Startling the owls that the rafters knew,
Breaking the webs that barred the way,
Crushing the mosses that fear the day.
Into the pitiless street he ran
To find a stricken fellow-man,
And carry him in upon his breast,
With many a halt on the stairs for rest.
He washed the feet and stroked the hair,
And for the once forgot his prayer.