Henry Alford

Sonnet XCIV. "Have pity, Holy One, on those who stray"

Have pity, Holy One, on those who stray: Thou kind and loving Shepherd, fetch Thou home The rebel flocks who in the desert roam: Fair is the sky as yet, and smooth the way,-- But soon shall darkness gather o'er the day: Then where shall be the voice that aimed to teach, The guides self--chosen, who did smooth things preach, The men of many words, unused to pray? Didst Thou not give Thy life for them, O Lord? Open their blinded eyes that they may see; Turn them from self to look alone on Thee: Show them the living wonders of Thy word; Let cries of triumph through Thy Church be heard,-- ``He that was lost is found, the slave is free!''