And cheer me with Thy presence sweet.

For if I have Thy presence, Lord,
'Tis an exceeding great reward;
And if at last I see Thy face,
'Tis not of merit, but of grace.

And, oh, what will that "penny" be
Which Thou wilt then bestow on me?
A glorious image it will bear,
Thy own dear Self, Lord, will be there!

RICHARD WILTON, M.A.

* * * * *

FOOTNOTES:

[1] The penny, or _denarius_, was a silver coin, stamped with
the image of the Roman Emperor, and worth about 16 cents of our money.
It was a full ordinary day's wage at that time.

[Illustration: THE LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD.]




THE BARREN FIG-TREE.