THE DESERT PATH — SEVEN SONNETS

The camel tracks led whitely across the desert sand,

And one came riding after with furtive mystery;

Ah, one came swiftly riding, a dagger in his hand,

And he was bent on plunder — a nomad thief was he!

He did not heed the starshine that glimmered from on high,

For laden beasts had traveled along the lonely way.

He did not see the glory that swept the Eastern sky,

For he had far to journey before the dawn of day.

He followed through the desert, and then at last he saw

An inn upon the outskirts of some small village place;

And there were camels resting before the stable door —

He left his horse, crept nearer, with greed upon his face;

And peering o'er the threshold, he saw that gold was piled,

With precious stones and incense, before a little

Child.