"AS THEY WENT, THEY WERE CLEANSED"

And as they went, to them the cleansing came.
The word' was spoken, and they turned to go,—
Obedient to his voice who bade them show
Themselves unto the priest,—in look the same
As when his aid they sought. Did sense of shame
Beset them as they slowly turned about
At his command? Did any lurking doubt
Cause loitering? What matter? He whose name
Had sounded in their ears with loud acclaim.
Commanded them to go, and as they went.
Lo, they were cleansed! They who with garments
rent
Had cried "Unclean! unclean!" in bitter shame,
Were cleansed and healed. But of the ten who came
Eager for aid. but one returned to kneel
In humble gratitude. Did none else feel
Such thankfulness, when to all healing came?
We know not. But ah! can we, dare we, blame
Those thoughtless ones, when we, who oft have heard,
And felt, in direst need, the healing word,
Go calmly on, unheeding? Nay, in shame
Let us keep silence, till with him who came
In humble praise, we seek the Master's feet
To render thanks that each obedience sweet
Fresh proof reveals of Christ's must potent name.