BLESSINGS by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER

SOME mortals have the gift to scatter round
Glad cheer and joy where'er they sojourn make.
In years gone by did none this truth mistake,
Witness the words my childhood simple found--
'Deign, good old man, beneath our roof to tread;
God blesses you, on us your blessing shed.'

When from his roof the grey-beard chanced to turn,
To meet him would secure a lucky day:
'Yes,' 'mongst themselves the village folk would say,
'For the whole realm he could a blessing earn.'
'Deign, good old man, beneath our roof to tread;
God blesses you, on us your blessing shed.'

To him they turned at every strait or fear,
To grieving hearts he did a saviour seem--
The squirelings mostly thought his power a dream,
The parson called him a philosopher.
'Deign, good old man, beneath our roof to tread;
God blesses you, on us your blessing shed.'

Of him from every tongue we marvels learn;
Legends and songs they say he knows a store;
Haste, children, listen to his gentle lore,
As at his voice the vagrant bees return.
'Deign, good old man, beneath our roof to tread;
God blesses you, on us your blessing shed.'

Close to the haze! hedge he took his way;
The mother said, 'See how the flowers grew!
Yes, thanks to him, from blooms of brightest hue
Our happy girls shall make their bodice gay.'
'Deign, good old man, beneath our roof to tread;
God blesses you, on us your blessing shed.'

When hot the sky, and he the melting hind
Hastened to help, reaper and gleaning maid,
'What luck his presence brings,' have often said;
'God sends a cloud the glaring sun to blind.'
'Deign, good old man, beneath our roof to tread;
God blesses you, on us your blessing shed.'

Of this sweet charm the cause he never knows,
Unconsciously the man by heaven blest
Walks by, and birds sit fearless in their nest--
Walks by, and incense greets him from the rose.
'Deign, good old man, beneath our roof to read;
God blesses you, on us your blessing shed.'

We have no more that happy faith once rife;
Yet, children, yet, if pass an old man by,
Watching your steps with smiles and loving eye,
Bow down, he asks a blessing on your life.
'Deign, good old man, beneath our roof to tread;
God blesses you, on us your blessing shed.'

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