Idylls of the Bible/The ragged stocking
THE RAGGED STOCKING.
Do you see this ragged stocking, Here a rent and there a hole?Each thread of this little stocking Is woven around my soul.
Do you wish to hear my story? Excuse me, the tears will start,For the sight of this ragged stocking Stirs the fountains of my heart.
You say that my home is happy; To me 'tis earth's fairest place,But its sunshine, peace and gladness Back to this stocking I trace.
I was once a wretched drunkard; Ah! you start and say not so;But the dreadful depths I've sounded, And I speak of what I know.
I was wild and very reckless When I stood on manhood's brink,And, joining with pleasure-seekers Learned to revel and drink.
Strong drink is a raging demon, In his hands are shame and woe;He mocketh the strength of the mighty And bringeth the strong man low.
The light of my home was darkened By the shadow of my sin;And want and woe unbarr'd the door, And suffering entered in.********The streets were full one Christmas eve, And alive with girls and boys,Merrily looking through window-panes At bright and beautiful toys.
And throngs of parents came to buy The gifts that children prize,And homeward trudged with happy hearts, The love-light in their eyes.
I thought of my little Charley At home in his lowly bed,With the shadows around his life, And in shame I bowed my head.
I entered my home a sober man, My heart by remorse was wrung,And there in the chimney corner, This little stocking was hung.
Faded and worn as you see it; To me 'tis a precious thing,And I never gaze upon it But unbidden tears will spring.
I began to search my pockets, But scarcely a dime was there;But scanty as was the pittance, This stocking received its share.
For a longing seized upon me To gladden the heart of my boy,And I bought him some cakes and candy, And added a simple toy.
Then I knelt by this little stocking And sobbed out an earnest prayer,And arose with strength to wrestle And break from the tempter's snare.
And this faded, worn-out stocking, So pitiful once to see,Became the wedge that broke my chain, And a blessing brought to me.
Do you marvel then I prize it? When each darn and seam and holeIs linked with my soul's deliverance From the bondage of the bowl?
And to night my wife will tell you, Though I've houses, gold and land,He holds no treasure more precious Than this stocking in my hand.