120 THE WORD MADE FLESH.

wonderful life. The little covered feet had a lifetime of
weary walks to go on errands of blessing for others: the
little hands had busy work before them, always ready to
give a touch of mercy and love. And when the work of
the patient hands and willing feet was all done, they were
ready for the cruel nails, and without one word or notion
against those who hated him, with a prayer that they
might be forgiven, his life was offered up just as meekly
as that of the two doves which Joseph brought to the
temple.
 The head that Mary tenderly rested on her bosom
was the one on which rough hands pressed a crown woven
of thorns, and mockingly called him a king.
 They did not know, nor did his mother understand,
that he had put on for a little while a body like ours, and
after he died would rise again and go to be, where he ever
was and ever will be, the King of kings upon his throne,
and to each one who loves him he will give a crown.