Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). Complete Poetical Works. 1893.
Christus: A MysteryPart I. The Divine Tragedy. The Second Passover. VIII. The Young Ruler
The one was a self-righteous Pharisee,
The other a Publican. And the Pharisee
Stood and prayed thus within himself! O God,
I thank thee I am not as other men,
Extortioners, unjust, adulterers,
Or even as this Publican. I fast
Twice in the week, and also I give tithes
Of all that I possess! The Publican,
Standing afar off, would not lift so much
Even as his eyes to heaven, but smote his breast,
Saying: God be merciful to me a sinner!
I tell you that this man went to his house
More justified than the other. Every one
That doth exalt himself shall be abased,
And he that humbleth himself shall be exalted!
Let us go listen to them.
What are ye doing here? Why do ye crowd us?
It was such little vagabonds as you,
That followed Elisha, mocking him and crying:
Go up, thou bald-head! But the bears—the bears
Came out of the wood, and tare them!
We brought them here, that He might lay his hands
On them, and bless them.
To come unto me, and forbid them not;
Of such is the kingdom of heaven; and their angels
Look always on my Father’s face.
What good thing shall I do, that I may have
Eternal life?
There is none good but one, and that is God.
If thou wilt enter into life eternal,
Keep the commandments.
Commit adultery; thou shalt not kill;
Thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not bear false witness;
Honor thy father and thy mother; and love
Thy neighbor as thyself.
All these things have I kept. What lack I yet?
The Master looks upon this eager youth,
As if He loved him!
Sell all thou hast, and give it to the poor,
And come, take up thy cross, and follow me,
And thou shalt have thy treasure in the heavens.
In riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
’T is easier for a camel to go through
A needle’s eye, than for the rich to enter
The kingdom of God!
But unto God all things are possible!
What shall we have therefor?