The poor are sad and thoughtful, for on that night, if they have not recited many prayers, yet they have prayed much--with pain in their eyes and tears in their hearts.

They have not the novenas, nor do they know the responsories, versicles, and prayers which the friars have composed for those who lack original ideas and feelings, nor do they understand them.

They pray in the language of their misery: their souls weep for them and for those dead beings whose love was their wealth.

Their lips may proffer the salutations, but their minds cry out complaints, charged with lamentations.

Wilt Thou be satisfied, O Thou who blessedst poverty, and you, O suffering souls, with the simple prayers of the poor, offered before a rude picture in the light of a dim wick, or do you perhaps desire wax tapers before bleeding Christs and Virgins with small mouths and crystal eyes, and masses in Latin recited mechanically by priests?
And thou, Religion preached for suffering humanity, hast thou forgotten thy mission of consoling the oppressed in their misery and of humiliating the powerful in their pride?
Hast thou now promises only for the rich, for those who, can pay thee?
The poor widow watches among the children who sleep at her side.