15. By the Crowd of Worshippers
By the crowd of worshippers, sorry for their sins,
Was a poor wanderer, rudely brought in.
Scribes came and Pharisees, anxious to see.
What the meek Nazarenes' verdict would be.
Neither do I condemn thee, precious words divine
From the lips of mercy, like sweetest chimes
Wonderful words of Jesus, sing them o'er and o'er
Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more.
They told of her wanderings, making each flaw
Spoke of her punishment, quoting the Law
Writing upon the ground, sadly and slow
But said he unheedingly, head bending low
Still cried the Pharisees, "Pray, Master, pray
What shall we do with her, what doth thou say?"
Then said he rebukingly, "Let the first stone
Come from the sinless hands, hence and alone."
Cheeks flushing with the shame, turning about
And from his presence walking slowly out
Then saw him standing there, head bending low
He who the world despised, bade her sin no more.
Spoke he most tenderly, 'pray woman, pray
Hast thou no accusers?" "Nay, Master, nay"
"Neither do I condemn thee, soul sick and sore
Go forth, I pardon thee, go and sin no more.'
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