It chanc'd, as musing once he stray'd,
Around him night's descending shade
Unheeded stole; through paths unknown
With darkling steps he wander'd on,
And wish'd to shroud his weary head
Beneath some hospitable shed.
When through the gloom a sudden ray
Sprung forth, and shot across the way,
Led by the light, a cott he found:
A pious dame the mansion own'd,
Whose open heart, tho' small her store,
Ne'er turn'd the stranger from her door.
Think at the sight of such a guest,
What transport rose within her breast:
With joy the friendly board she spread,
And plac'd him in her warmest bed.
Deep sunk in sleep the trav'ler lay,
Tir'd with the labours of the day.