It happened that a Pharisee
Invited Christ to eat,
When a poor, sinful woman came
And worshipped at His feet;
And washed them with her copious tears,
And wiped them with her hair,
And kissed them, and anointed them
With ointment rich and rare.
The Pharisee, within himself,
Said : "If this man were wise,
And were a prophet, he would know
This sinner to despise."
And Jesus, answering his thought,
Explained the woman's love :
She was a sinner who, now saved,
Her gratitude would prove.
And while the guests in wonder gazed,
He to the woman spoke :
"Thy sins are all forgiven--thy faith
Hath broken Satan's yoke."
