SAINT'S REST At heaven's brazen gates Ascended to the lofty post Where the warder, listening, waits; Who, summoning his shining host, Came down his private stair To question, as his custom is, The suppliant waiting there. He touched the mystic spring that throws The mighty bolts aside, And with a twist of his saintly wrist The portals opened wide. Of manhood's promise fair, Who bore the gaze of all the throng With a damn-if-I-care air, He was, in truth, a broken man – Malaria's cankering hand Had stamped wan face and drooping form With her enduring brand. His joints were swollen, shoulders bent, And as his shrivelled bones Contorted 'neath his shrunken skin, He gasped between his groins: Has e'er been here before, For each commandment of the law I’ve broken o’er and o’er! I’ve taken God’s great name in vain A million times, I think; And caused the good, with horror struck, From my foul words to shrink! I’ve worshipped idols countless times – In fact, these later days I’ve broken that express command A thousand different ways! The Sabbath I’ve ignored: If ever I have gone to church, I’ve been supremely bored: And I’ve dishonored parents dear, Oh, time and time again! I killed while running on the road I’m sure full fifty men! I’ve coveted each separate thing My neighbors have possessed, And to adultery’s kindly crime I’ve frequently confessed! I’ve lied my whole life long; And taken, doubtless, many things That did not to me belong! In short, there’s not a single vice That I’ve not wallowed in: I am a very monument Of reeking, hideous sin! But – “ here that dreadful, loathsome thing Approached Saint Peter’s ear, And murmured something that alone The stooping guard could hear. Saint Peter grasped his hand: And motioning his shining host Each side the gate to stand, He led him to the golden stairs, And pointing straight ahead, In clarion, far-reaching voice To the wretched pilgrim said: “Climb up, O weary one, climb up! Climb high! Climb higher yet, Until you reach the plush-lined steats That only martyrs get! Then sit you down and rest yourself While years of bliss roll on!” “He’s been living in Colon!”
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