Pagina 33 de 83

"It was I," said the prisoner, "who forged this chain very

carefully. I thought my invincible power would hold the world

captive leaving me in a freedom undisturbed. Thus night and day I

worked at the chain with huge fires and cruel hard strokes. When

at last the work was done and the links were complete and

unbreakable, I found that it held me in its grip."

32.

By all means they try to hold me secure who love me in this

world. But it is otherwise with thy love which is greater than

theirs, and thou keepest me free.

Lest I forget them they never venture to leave me alone. But day

passes by after day and thou art not seen.

If I call not thee in my prayers, if I keep not thee in my heart,

thy love for me still waits for my love.

33.

When it was day they came into my house and said, "We shall only

take the smallest room here."