Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). Complete Poetical Works. 1893.
Christus: A MysteryPart II. The Golden Legend. III. IV. The Nativity: A Miracle-Play. VII. Jesus at Play with His Schoolmates
And make some sparrows out of clay,
Down by the river’s side.
Its banks, and o’er the meadow road
Is spreading far and wide!
These little sparrows by the lake
Bend down their necks and drink!
Now will I make them sing and soar
So far, they shall return no more
Unto this river’s brink.
They cannot sing, nor fly away
Above the meadow lands!
And while you live, remember me,
Who made you with my hands.
Oft has my mother told me so,
I will not play with thee!
And when I shall be crucified,
There shall I piercèd be!
And break the holy Sabbath day?
What, think ye, will your mothers say
To see you in such plight!
In such a sweat and such a heat,
With all that mud upon your feet!
There ’s not a beggar in the street
Makes such a sorry sight!