V.

It was a glowing ruby that caused the thief to fall,

But — he was very hungry, and lonely, too, and cold;

And youth lay all behind him, a tattered funeral pall,

For he was very tired, and he was growing old.

It was a glowing ruby that lay upon the breast

Of one who had not earned it, who wore it with a sneer;

The thief was very weary, he only longed for rest;

He was too wan for caring, he was too numb for fear!

It was a glowing ruby — he held it in his hand —

His hand was thin and withered, it shook beneath the gem;

He took the vivid ruby, the ransom of a land,

And tied it firmly, tightly, within his garment's hem;

And then he shuffled forward, but like a thorn within

His soul he bore the torment of bitterness and sin!