"Child, follow me," the Master said,

As he knocked full loud at my chamber door;

But the morn was fair, and my heart was gay,

"I'll dally a while on the primrose way,

And I'll come," said I, "when the morning's o'er."

"Child, follow me," the Master said,

As he lingered patiently at the gate;

Gray shadows were falling, the night was near;

"Life's joys are so sweet, and my friends so dear,

I will come," said I, "when the night is late."

"Child, follow me," the Master said,

As he walked away through the darkness deep;

And the night had fallen, and the birds were still;

"Linger," said I, "at the foot of the hill,

And I'll come when the world is hushed in sleep."

"Master, I come," I cried at length,

"Heart weary to serve at thine own dear side,

Thou hast called me long, but I come at last."

(But his eyes were dim, and his strength was past,

And not long could he follow the Crucified).

~Author Unknown~