O put Thy hand upon the bridle, Lord, that He ride soberly upon Thy business." There was a longer silence now, but at last came the voice of Luke Claridge.
"Father of the fatherless," he said, "my days are as the sands in the hour-glass hastening to their rest; and my place will soon be empty.

He goeth far, and I may not go with him.

He fighteth alone, like him that strove with wild beasts at Ephesus; do Thou uphold him that he may bring a nation captive.

And if a viper fasten on his hand, as chanced to Paul of old, give him grace to strike it off without hurt.

O Lord, he is to me, Thy servant, as the one ewe lamb; let him be Thine when Thou gatherest for Thy vineyard!" "And if a viper fasten on his hand--" David passed his hand across his forehead and closed his eyes.