Felix Randal

Felix Randal the farrier, O is he dead then? My duty all ended,
Who have watched his mould of man, big-boned and
Hardy-handsome
Pining, pining, till time when reason rambled in it and some
Fatal four disorders, fleshed there, all contented?

Sickness broke him. Impatient, he cursed at first, but mended
Being anointed and all; though a heavenlier heart began some
Months earlier, since I had our sweet reprieve and ransom
Tendered to him. Ah well, God rest him all road ever he
Offended!

This seeing the sick endears them to us, us too it endears.
My tongue has taught thee comfort, touch had quenched the
Tears,
Thy tears that touched my heart, child, Felix, poor Felix
Randal;

How far from then forethought of, all thy more boisterous
Years,
When thou at the random grim forge, powerful amids peers,
Didst fettle for the great grey drayhorse his bright and battering
Sandal!

by Hopkins