Some one had said that I was in the wrong;
Some one had but advised with kind intent,
Yet this correction hurt and rankled long;
I could not take the help as it was meant.
Then came another friend with earnest eyes,
And I must tell her how the words had stung.
I questioned much, and many eager "whys"
Came tripping o'er my too impetuous tongue.
"Put on the coat," she said in homely phrase,
"And if it does not fit—why, well and good."
We parted, each to go in differing ways.
And I was pondering, as she meant I should.
That night, when came a moment all my own,
And no inquiring eye was there to note,
I thought, with just a little inward groan,
Perhaps I might as well try on that coat.
It fitted! I was shamed to find it out;
But it was true, and I could not deny
'Twas made for me—there was no chance to doubt.
It suited me;there was no need to try
A ruse that said, Perhaps it is too small,
Or not your style, or may be it was made
For some one else. The cut, the size, and all
Were mine exactly, even to the shade.
"The coat is mine," at last I humbly cried;
"And if it is, I need not be afraid
To wear it." Then how earnestly I tried
To do this with a courage undismayed.
I could not bear to face my fellow-men
With this rough garment—but I must be strong,
And after trial came an hour when
Some passed me in the busy, jostling throng
And said, "O see the garment that she wears!"
I thought my uncouth garb attracted them,
But lo—my valiant efforts and my prayers
Had changed it all! From neck to broidered hem
I was enfolded in a mantle fine.
With catching breath I murmured, "I am free!
The coat is all outgrown and this is mine—
The pure white robe of true humility."
