I was a stricken deer that left the herd,

Long since with many an arrow deep infixed.

My panting side was charged, when I withdrew

To seek a tranquil death in distant shades.

There was I found by One who had Himself

Been hurt by the archers. In his side He bore,

And in His hands and feet, the cruel scars.

With gentle force, soliciting the darts,

He drew them forth, and healed, and bade me live.

William Cowper (1731 – 1800), The Task, 1785.