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

Author Unknown

Translation of Francesca Alexander

A PILGRIM poor to Zita came one day,

All faint and thirsty with the summer heat,

And for a little water did her pray.

’Twas close beside the well they chanced to meet—

She feared to give it, yet what could she say?

She answered humbly, and with words discreet:

“I wish, my brother, I could give thee wine,

But if the water please thee, that is thine.”

This said, she drew some water from the well,

And with a cross the pitcher did she sign.

“O Lord,” she said, while low her sweet voice fell,

“Let not this water hurt him,—he is thine.”

The pilgrim, as he stooped to drink, could tell

Her thought before she spoke, “I wish ’twere wine.”

He tasted, then, astonished, raised his head:

“But truly, this is precious wine,” he said.