@3IT was the little scullion maid Whose willing hands served them, Who served the noble guests and fine With store of meat and poured out wine In the inn at Bethlehem.@1 The night was full of stinging rain, The mad wind drove in hate; It was the little scullion maid Who leaned into the dark and said, "One crieth at the gate!" "Behold, there are two travelers And wearied they and sore!" Then quoth the landlord at his wine, "I trow they are no guests of mine -- My inn will hold no more. "Now for a king small room might be, But none for such as they. Let them begone, or, for a jest, Bid them among my kine to rest Until the break of day." It was the little scullion maid Who slipped into the night To bring the stabled travelers The bread and bedding that were hers, And oil for them to light. It was the little scullion maid Who braved the wind and sleet; As through the darksome night she crept, Sudden a great star flamed and leapt And led her puzzled feet. It was the little scullion maid That at the stable door Heard with a sudden awe beguiled, The sharp cry of a little child Where ne'er was child before. And it was Joseph took her gifts With thankful words and meet, And low the little scullion maid Hath knelt at Mary's side and laid Soft linen at her feet. And it was Jesus of Nazareth, The new-born child spake He -- "My Mother, by thy throne in Heaven Shall stand those saints whose joy is given To minister to thee. "Ursula -- Agnes -- Magdalen -- Whose names are loved of men, But ever at thy own right hand Behold, this little maid shall stand Thy chosen handmaiden." @3It was the little scullion maid Whose willing hands served them, Who served the noble guests and fine With store of meat and poured out wine In the inn at Bethlehem.@1 | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE PATH-FLOWER by OLIVE TILFORD DARGAN ON CATULLUS by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR WAR AND WASHINGTON by JONATHAN MITCHELL SEWALL HYMN OF THE WEST by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN DECLASSE by ANNA EMILIA BAGSTAD FRAGMENTS INTENDED FOR DEATH'S JEST-BOOK: HUMAN LIFE - ITS VALUE by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |