A Poor Wayfaring Man Of Grief Cifras

[Verse 1]
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A poor, wayfaring Man of grief Hath often crossed me on my way,
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Who sued so humbly for relief That I could never answer nay.
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I had not pow’r to ask his name, Whereto he went, or whence he came;
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Yet there was something in his eye That won my love; I knew not why.
 
[Verse 2]
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Once, when my scanty meal was spread, He entered; not a word he spake,
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Just perishing for want of bread. I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
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And ate, but gave me part again. Mine was an angel’s portion then,
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For while I fed with eager haste, The crust was manna to my taste.
 
[Verse 3]
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I spied him where a fountain burst Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.
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The heedless water mocked his thirst; He heard it, saw it hurrying on.
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I ran and raised the suff’rer up; Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,
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Dipped and returned it running o’er; I drank and never thirsted more.
 
[Verse 4]
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’Twas night; the floods were out; it blew A winter hurricane aloof.
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I heard his voice abroad and flew To bid him welcome to my roof.
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I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest And laid him on my couch to rest,
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Then made the earth my bed and seemed In Eden’s garden while I dreamed.
 
[Verse 5]
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Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death, I found him by the highway side.
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I roused his pulse, brought back his breath, Revived his spirit, and supplied
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Wine, oil, refreshment—he was healed. I had myself a wound concealed,
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But from that hour forgot the smart, And peace bound up my broken heart.
 
[Verse 6]
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In pris’n I saw him next, condemned To meet a traitor’s doom at morn.
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The tide of lying tongues I stemmed, And honored him ’mid shame and scorn.
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My friendship’s utmost zeal to try, He asked if I for him would die.
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The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill, But my free spirit cried, “I will!”
 
[Verse 7]
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Then in a moment to my view The stranger started from disguise.
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The tokens in his hands I knew; The Savior stood before mine eyes.
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He spake, and my poor name he named, “Of me thou hast not been ashamed.
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These deeds shall thy memorial be; Fear not, thou didst them unto me.”
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