What man among you with a hundred sheep
Would not, if he should find that one had strayed,
Enfold the others on the grassy steep
And seek that single one with heart dismayed?
And when he found it would he not rejoice,
Not check its limbs and feet with tender care,
Not soothe its trembling fear with hand and voice,
And then upon his shoulders homeward bear?
Arived at home he would his neighbors call
Saying “Rejoice with me, for I have found
The sheep which I had lost.” The angels all
Rejoice with me and make a joyful sound
Over a single sinner who repents
Far more than nine and noinety self-styled saints.