C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Saint Stephen the Sabaite (725–796)

Translation of John Mason Neale

ART thou weary, art thou languid,

Art thou sore distressed?

“Come to me,” saith One, “and coming,

Be at rest.”

Hath he marks to lead me to him,

If he be my Guide?

“In his feet and hands are wound-prints,

And his side.”

Is there diadem as Monarch,

That his brow adorns?

“Yea, a crown, in very surety,

But of thorns.”

If I find him, if I follow

What his guerdon here?

“Many a sorrow, many a labor,

Many a tear.”

If I still hold closely to him,

What hath he at last?

“Sorrow vanquished, labor ended,

Jordan passed.”

If I ask him to receive me,

Will he say me nay?

“Not till earth, and not till heaven,

Pass away.”

Finding, following, keeping, struggling,

Is he sure to bless?

“Saints, apostles, prophets, martyrs,

Answer, Yes.”