THE BREAD OF ST. JODOKUS.
By M. A. P. Humphrey
To prove how pure's a heart his servant bore,
One day the Lord to St. Jodokus' door
Came begging bread in garments worn and poor. “Good steward,” spake Jodokus, “give him bread.”
“One loaf alone remains,” the steward said;
“For thee and me, the faithful dog beside.”
“Give!” said the Saint; “will not the Lord provide?” The steward marked the single loaf with care,
And cut four pieces, each an equal share.
Then to the beggar, in no friendly tone,
“One each for thee and me, the abbot one,
One for the dog, since I can but obey.”
Jodokus smiled; the beggar went his way Not long, and in yet wretched disguise,
Once more the Lord asked bread with pleading eyes.
“Give him my piece,” Jodokus gently said;
“The Lord provides.” The steward gave the bread. Again the Lord beside the threshold stood,
And, faint with hunger, begged a little food.
“Give him thy portion,” thus Jodokus said;
“The Lord provides.” The steward gave the bread. A little while, and naked, blind, and lame,
The fourth time came the Lord, and begged the same.
“Give the dog's piece,” the holy man replied;
“The Lord, who feeds the ravens, will provide.” The steward gave. The beggar left the gate,
And a voice cried aloud, “Thy faith is great!
Thy Lord hath proved his servant's loyalty—
As thou hast trusted, be it done to thee!” The steward looked, and in the tranquil bay,
Behold! four laden ships at anchor lay.
Far up their sides the water's dimpling line
Broke round their holds well stored with bread and wine. Joyful the steward hastened to the strand,
And saw no man upon the vessels stand;
But on the shore a snow-white banner waved,
Whereon in golden lines these words were graved: “Four ships He sends who doth the ravens feed,
To him who hath four times supplied his need.
One for the abbot, thus the list begin;
The steward and the dog like portions win;
The fourth is for the sender's needy kin.”