THE PUREST PEARL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XL, Issue 9257, 5 December 1891, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE PUREST PEARL.

Beside the church door, a-weary and alone ' A blind woman sat on the cold door-stone. The wind was bitter; the snow fell fast, And a mocking voice in the fitful blast Seemed ever to echo the moaning cry, As she begged an alms of the passers-by, •• Hive pity on me, have pity, I pray; My'lmck is bent and my hair is gray." 'The bells were ringing the hour of prayer, And many good people were gathered there; But covered with furs and mantles warm, ■ They hurried past through the wintry storm. Some .were hoping their souls to save, And some were thinking of death and the grave, And, alas ! they had no times to heed The pocr. scul asking for charity's meed; | And some were blooming with beauty's ! grace, And closely muflled in veils of lace; They saw not the sorrow nor heard the moan Of her who sat on the cold door-stone. At last came one of a noble name, By the city counted the wealthiest dame, And the pearls that over her neck were strung She proudly there to the beggar flung. Then followed a maiden, young and fair, Adorned with clusters of golden hair ; | But her dress was thin and scanty and | worn, Not even the beggar's seemed more forlorn; With a tearful look and a pitying sigh, She whispered soft, " No jewels have I, But I give you my prayers, good friend," said she, I "And sure, I know God listens to me." I On the poor white hand, so shrunken and small, . The blind woman let a tear-drop fall, Then kissed it, and said to the weeping girl, ••It is you who have given the purest - pearl."