With a strange Shadow on His lovely face,

Standing with arms outstretched in prayer,

The glory of the setting sun upon His head.

But long and grim the shadow of a Cross

Before Him as He stood. Then to his mind

Came swift the stories of the mighty King,

And then the promise: “Thou shalt build His throne.”

Alas! the long and wav’ring years had swept

The dreams of youth away; but still remained

The love, that hungered now to feel the hand