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PETER BELL.
Part III.
'Tis said, that through prevailing grace
He not unmov'd did notice now
The cross[1] upon thy shoulders scored
Meek beast! in memory of the Lord
To whom all human-kind shall bow;
In memory of that solemn day
When Jesus humbly deign'd to ride
Entering the proud Jerusalem,
By an immeasurable stream
Of shouting people deified!
Meanwhile the persevering Ass,
Towards a gate in open view
Turns up a narrow lane; his chest
Against the yielding gate he press'd,
And quietly pass'd through.
- ↑ The notion is very general, that the Cross on the back and shoulders of this Animal has the origin here alluded to.
