Said I to Pain: "You would not dare Do ill to me." Said Pain: "Poor fool! Why should I care Whom you may be? To clown and king alike I bring My meed of bane; Why should you shirk my chastening?" Said Pain Said I to Grief: "No tears have I Go on your way." Said Grief: "Why should I pa** you by While others pay? All men must know the way of woe From saint to thief And tears were meant to overflow," Said Grief
Said I to d**h: "From ail and fret Grant me relief." Said d**h: "I know you are beset By Pain and Grief But my good will you must await Since human breath To suffering is consecrate," Said d**h Said I to God: "Pale Sister Grief Bleak Brother Pain Bedevil me beyond belief And d**h's unfain . . ." Said God: "Curse not that blessed Three Poor human clod! Have faith! Believe the One with Me," Said God