THE DOLE OF DONA INEZ.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 192, 1 December 1876, Page 6

THE DOLE OF DONA INEZ.

BY MATJEICE F. BGAN.

I. Dona Inez was a lady Very rich and fair to see, And her heart was like a lily In its holy purity. Through the widest street in Cadifc Dona Inez rode one day, Clad in costly silk and laces, Mid a group of friends as gay. ii. Near the portals "of a convent — From the Moors just lately won — Sat a crowd of dark-skinned beggars Basking in the pleasant sun; One, an old man—he a Christian Blind to all the outward light — Told his black beads, praying softly For all poor souls still in night. in. " I am but a Moorish beggar," Said a woman with a child, " I am but a Moorish beggar, And the Moors are fierce and wild, You may talk of Christian goodness — Christian Faith and Charity, But I'll never be a Christian 'Till some proof of these I see ; Christians are as proud and haughty. As the proudest Moor of all, And they hate the men that hate them With a hate like bitter gall." IV. " You judge rashly, O my sister In the words you speak to me." " I would be a Christian, blind man: Show me Christian charity! v. " Lo ! here comes the Dona Inez, Very rich and fair to see, I am but a Moorish beggar, Will the lady come to me ? No! she will not, for she hateth All the children of the Moor. If she come, I tell you, blind man, I will kneel, and Christ adore!" VI. Passing was the lady Inez When the dark group met her eye, And she leant from out her litter Smiling on them tenderly. " They are poor, they are God's children," Said a voice ■within her soul, And foho lightly fioin her litter Stepped to give the beggars dole, Lightly, liyhtly from her litter Went to bave a. beggar's soul. VII. Sneered, and laughed, and laughing, wondered All the other Lulies gay j And the lady Inez knew not Shu had saved a soul that day. ' C. Standard.'