Ruth

Many and fierce the battles that the sons
Of Jacob fought for their predestined land,
And often for their wives and little ones
With blood they stain'd the wilderness of sand
A tale of bloodshed is their history,
And to all Christian hearts a mystery.
But in the bleakest wild is sometimes seen
A grove of palms beside an oozy spring ;

There way-worn pilgrims bless the spot of green.
And the weak bird lets drop her weary wing ;
Such, in the wild and waste of Bible truth.
Is the sweet story of the faithful Ruth.