They glistened with thankful tears alone.

He listened in solemn awe until

The mountebank's tale was done; and still,

Some moments, he neither spoke nor stirred,

But silently pondered every word.

Then humbly speaking, "The Lord," said he,

"Has had great mercy on you and me!

And now, my son, I must tell you why

I came to speak with you—know that I

Have tried with the Lord alone to dwell,

For forty years, in my mountain cell;

In prayer and solitude, day and night,

Have striven to keep my candle bright!

And there, but yesterday, while I prayed,

An angel came to my side, and said

That I should seek you,—and told me where,—

And should your life with my own compare;

For in God's service and love and grace

Your soul with mine has an equal place,

We both alike have his mercy shared,

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