TWO SINNERS.

There was a man, it was said one time,

Who went astray in his youthful prime.

Can the brain keep cool and the heart keep quiet

When the blood is a river that’ s running riot?

And boys will be boys the old folks say,

And the man is the better who’ s had his day.

The sinner reformed; and the preacher told

Of the prodigal son who came back to the fold.

And Christian people threw open the door,

With a warmer welcome than ever before.

Wealth and honor were his to command,

And a spotless woman gave him her hand.

And the world strewed their pathway with blossoms aboom,

Crying “God bless ladye, and God bless groom!”

There was a maiden who went astray

In the golden dawn of her life’ s young day.

She had more passion and heart than head,

And she followed blindly where fond Love led.

And Love unchecked is a dangerous guide

To wander at will by a fair girl’ s side.

The woman repented and turned from sin,

But no door opened to let her in.

The preacher prayed that she might be forgiven,

But told her to look for mercy — in Heaven.

For this is the law of the earth, we know:

That the woman is stoned, while the man may go.

A brave man wedded her after all,

But the world said, frowning, “We shall not call.”