'Christ has risen!' Selwyn
reverently welcomed the day, and his companion joined, 'Indeed He has.'
They were communing in that spirit when a bundle of letters, sent from
Auckland to intercept them, was brought into the tent. One to Selwyn bore
the news of the death of Siapo, who had become a Christian under his
teaching, and who was being educated with other natives, at his seminary
in Auckland.
The Bishop, overcome with grief, burst into tears; then broke some
moments of silence with the words, 'Why, you have not shed a single
tear!'
'No,' said Sir George, 'I have been so wrapped in thought that I could
not weep. I have been thinking of the prophecy that men of every race
were to be assembled in the kingdom of heaven. I have tried to imagine
the wonder and joy prevailing there, at the coming of Siapo, the first
Christian of his race. He would be glad evidence that another people of
the world, had been added to the teaching of Christ.'
'Yes, yes,' Selwyn remarked, drying his tears, 'that is the true idea to
entertain, and I shall not cry any more.' What a touching incident! It
shows us the depth of feeling which united Governor and Bishop. Only Sir
George's version ran, 'It illustrated Selwyn's great, good heart.
Stalwart, quite the muscular Christian, he had the simple heart of the
child.
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