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(A.D. 687)
EDDI, priest of St. Wilfrid | |
| In his chapel at Manhood End, | |
| Ordered a midnight service | |
| For such as cared to attend. | |
| |
| But the Saxons were keeping Christmas, | 5 |
| And the night was stormy as well. | |
| Nobody came to service, | |
| Though Eddi rang the bell. | |
| |
| “’Wicked weather for walking,” | |
| Said Eddi of Manhood End. | 10 |
| “But I must go on with the service | |
| For such as care to attend.” | |
| |
| The altar-lamps were lighted,— | |
| An old marsh-donkey came, | |
| Bold as a guest invited, | 15 |
| And stared at the guttering flame. | |
| |
| The storm beat on at the windows, | |
| The water splashed on the floor, | |
| And a wet, yoke-weary bullock | |
| Pushed in through the open door. | 20 |
| |
| “How do I know what is greatest, | |
| How do I know what is least? | |
| That is My Father’s business,” | |
| Said Eddi, Wilfrid’s priest. | |
| |
| “But—three are gathered together— | 25 |
| Listen to me and attend. | |
| I bring good news, my brethren!” | |
| Said Eddi of Manhood End. | |
| |
| And he told the Ox of a Manger | |
| And a Stall in Bethlehem, | 30 |
| And he spoke to the Ass of a Rider, | |
| That rode to Jerusalem. | |
| |
| They steamed and dripped in the chancel, | |
| They listened and never stirred, | |
| While, just as though they were Bishops, | 35 |
| Eddi preached them The Word, | |
| |
| Till the gale blew off on the marshes | |
| And the windows showed the day, | |
| And the Ox and the Ass together | |
| Wheeled and clattered away. | 40 |
| |
| And when the Saxons mocked him, | |
| Said Eddi of Manhood End, | |
| “I dare not shut His chapel | |
| On such as care to attend.” | |
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