Page:Poems Kimball.djvu/27

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE BLESSED COMPANY.
9
And lo! the faithful noiseless moved as thought
Responsive, yet unconscious of response,
Their rapt eyes lifted to the shining morn,
As seeing Him who is invisible.
He named them, clan by clan, His chosen ones:
The poor in spirit, and the souls that mourn,
The meek, and those for righteousness athirst,
The merciful, the pure in heart, the just,
The valiant, the forbearing, named He thus.
For every clan a benediction sweet,
And sweeter promises of victory, thus:—

Blessed are the poor,
Jesus spake;
Poor in spirit for My sake;
Who seek the glory of this world no more,
Nor gather riches that shall fly away;
Of the heavenly kingdom heirs are they.

Blessed,
Blessed they who mourn, He said;
Precious are the tears they shed,
The ashes on the bowèd head.
All their sins confessèd,
They shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
Who seek
The Father's will in quietness and peace,
Caring little for all things beside;