Classic Poem

PARABLE XX.

The Lost Sheep.

Then all the Publicans drew near,
And profligates, his word to hear;
Which congregation did displease
And grieve the Scribes and Pharisees;
Who said, the sinner this man joins,
And with th' exactor sits and dines.
?Then he this parable began—
Is there of you a single man,
If worth a hundred sheep in stock,
And lose but one of all the flock,
Who does not quit the ninety odd,
Left to the providence of God,
And hies him to regain his loss?
Which, when he finds it, thrown across
His shoulders, joyful home he bends,
And calls his neighbours and his friends,
‘Rejoyce with me, for I have made
‘Discov'ry of the sheep that stray'd’
So likewise joy in heav'n shall be
More for one sinner's contrite knee,
Than ninety-nine without offence,
Who have no need of penitence.