“Then Burst His Mighty Heart”

With kindly eyes and outstretched hand he stood
Among his people, giving friendly greetings.
Then one came there whose bandaged hand betokened
Some bitter pain. McKinley forward leaned
With instant sympathy. The treacherous hand
The bandage shook away, and smote him down!
Then from those kindly eyes there came a look
Whereof men speak in whispers, vainly seeking
For words to tell the grief it more than spoke.
As mighty Julius looked upon the friend
Whose dagger took his life, e’en so McKinley,
Whose every thought was for his countrymen,
Gazed with a breaking heart when forced to know
That one of these, his people, so beloved,
Had sent the murderous bullet to his breast.
That knowledge slew him—broke his loving heart—
He closed his eyes and prayed, “Thy will be done,”
And sank to rest; but they who saw that look,
So piteous and forgiving, understand
What Judas saw when he his Lord betrayed.

     Heafford, Wis.