Classic Poem

With crowds around upbraiding,
And curses on the blast,
While things of earth were fading,
And life was ebbing fast, —
The malefactor, praying,
To Christ upon the tree,
Breathed out his spirit, saying,
" O Lord, remember me! "

The Saviour looked in meekness,
Though death was drawing nigh;
He heeded not His weakness,
When came the contrite sigh.
He said, while thoughts of pity
Beamed from His dying eyes:
" To-day thou shalt be with Me,
In yonder paradise. "

If scenes of joy and gladness,
In life my lot should be,
Or should my days bring sadness,
O Lord, remember me!
Receive my parting spirit,
Where joys unfading rise,
And take me to inherit
A place in paradise.