Classic Poem

One of twain of beasts is he,
Witnessed the Nativity.
One of twain of beasts who each
Opened mouth with human speech.

Item, serpent spake to Eve;
Wherefore all the nations grieve.
Item, for his patience' sake,
Balaam's ass unto him spake.

He it was who bare the Child,
With His Mother, through the wild
Good Saint Joseph walked beside,
All the way the desert wide.

Spurning bridle, bit and goad,
On his back the Saviour rode.
Palms and herbs and other sweets
Marked his path along the streets

Where his back is soft as moss,
God hath marked him with a cross,
For a holy sign alway,
Which he bears unto this day.