Classic Poem

Now little Jesus of Nazareth
Could not sleep or draw easy breath
All that night, for the burden sore
Of woe and pity his fair heart bore
Because of the sorrows and sins of men,
And so he rose and went forth again
Or ever it was the spring of day,
Unto a secret place to pray.
" Father, forgive my sin, " prayed he,
" For I fear I love men more than Thee,
Yet if Thou wilt their sins forgive,
I will gladly die that they may live.
Accept my flesh and the soul within,
And let men no more taste of sin:
Accept my body and blood and breath,
And let men no more taste of death:
For while one brother were bound in hell
I could not rejoice with Thee to dwell;
And if forever but one be given o'er
To hell, I can call Thee Father no more. "
The Spirit's Voice his anguish eased:
" Thou art my Son in whom I am pleased;
Not I, but man will require this price,
And man, not I, this sacrifice. "