E. C. B.

Before the grass grew over me,I knew one good man through and through,And knew a soul and body joinedAre stronger than the heavens are blue.

A wisdom worthy of thy joy,O great heart, read I as I ran;Now, though men smite me on the face,I cannot curse the face of man.

I loved the man I saw yestreenHanged with his babe's blood on his palms.I loved the man I saw to-dayWho knocked not when he came with alms.

Hush! - for thy sake I even facedThe knowledge that is worse than hell;And loved the man I saw but nowHanging head downwards in the well.