_Van Elsen._

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.