What reason you among yourselves
The while you walk with hearts immersed in gloom?
Through mists of time come still those gentle words
To those who mourn the crucifixion and the tomb.
Oh, fools and slow of heart, he said,
Ought not Christ thus to enter his own glory?
But down the years from dull mankind is hid
The joyous import of that wondrous story.
Oh, travelers on Emmaus road,
Break now your bands of grief and blind despair;
Look up! Unloose the shoes from off your feet,
The risen Saviour walks beside you there.
Wait not till toilsome journey's end
To give him recognition and abode;
The Christ holds out to you blest bread and wine,
Gives joy for mourning now, along the dusty road.
