God spake three times and saved Van Elsen’s soul; He spake by sickness first and made him whole; Van Elsen heard him not, Or soon forgot. God spake to him by wealth, the world outpoured Its treasures at his feet, and called him Lord; Van Elsen’s heart grew fat And proud thereat. God spake the third time when the great world smiled, And in the sunshine slew his little child; Van Elsen like a tree Fell hopelessly. Then in the darkness came a voice which said, “As thy heart bleedeth, so my heart hath bled, As I have need of thee, Thou needest me.” That night Van Elsen kissed the baby feet, And, kneeling by the narrow winding sheet, Praised Him with fervent breath Who conquered death.
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V. Death and Bereavement