He who has riches now must come to dwell
in the lean parish of hunger, there to learn
that blessedness is not to buy and sell
that what we get is seldom what we earn.
Before the bread is broken, wine is poured
he must make payment he can ill afford.
And they must come who crown or mitre wear
to do their Maundy and to bend the knee;
for words come cheap but actions cost us dear
and they must make their peace with poverty.
Before the bread is broken, wine is poured
we say the grace; grace speaks its own word.
He who is blind to want or grief must pray
some gracious touch to open now his eyes;
that his afflicted Saviour he may
in a stranger or in brother recognise.
Then bread is broken and the wine is poured,
this is the Pasch the supper of the Lord.
