Cornell University Library 
 PR5115.0336S6 
 
 The song of the Christ; a poem. 
 3 1924 013 531 425 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924013531425 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 A POEM 
 
 BY 
 
 HENRY H: ORPEN-PALMER, B.D 
 
 JOHN BELLOWa. aLOUOISTIR 1B8109 
 
CANTO I 
 
€t)e Jbotts of tt)e €t^ti0t 
 
 CANTO I 
 
 I 
 
 What Jesus Christ the Son of God Most High, 
 In those poor days when trod He earth as man, 
 Did speak and work to bring salvation nigh, 
 To shew a captive world redemption's plan, 
 And how from old God's peaceful purpose ran — 
 This the glad burden of our thankful lay, 
 Withal our thought so mean, so short life's span. 
 As walk our pilgrim feet the dim-seen way, 
 And watch our longing eyes the first faint streaks of day. 
 
 ****** 
 
2 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 II 
 
 Lo ! at the gate of Bethlehem's old inn 
 As falls the night on crowded house and street, 
 In anxious haste seek roof and rest within 
 Two travellers, man and wife, with weary feet. 
 Of David's stock, in highborn Hneage meet 
 To claim earth's proudest throne, now humbly bound. 
 At Caesar's will, 'mid the hustling throng to entreat 
 E'en shelter with the cattle on the ground 
 Where once in Jesse's youngest Israel's King was found. 
 
 Ill 
 
 And there — unknown, uncared, a wedded maid, 
 By the Highest's power o'ershadowed, bore her Son — 
 The world's expected Saviour long delayed, 
 Till prophecy's dark stream its course had run, 
 And all God's shaping of the clay was done. 
 To cast His golden Vessel in due mould. 
 Now see 'twixt beasts earth's life of lives begun, 
 A babe scarce harboured from rude winter's cold, 
 Whose hands as God of God the heavens immense uphold ! 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 IV 
 
 His own receive Him not — no welcome here 
 From priests and rabbis who hold Moses' place. 
 Yet, moved by some strange impulse. Magi steer 
 E'en now their course from east with measured pace, 
 And careful search, 'cross sandy deserts' space — 
 With tokens charged of each most costly thing. 
 By guiding star their faithful pathway trace. 
 And presently to lowly house will bring 
 Gold, myrrh, and frankincense, fit gifts for King. 
 
 Meanwhile 'neath wondering stars o'er the open field 
 Where shepherds 'biding kept their flocks by night — 
 That field which erst to timid Ruth did yield 
 Her handfuls gleaned, then harvests rich, of right 
 By marriage with her kinsman — now alight 
 With glow mysterious, angel-shapes appear 
 With blessed message sent from heaven's height : 
 O rarest music heard by mortal ear ! 
 Of praise to God above, to men on earth good cheer. 
 
4 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 VI 
 
 Not now afeard but with great joy fulfilled 
 By terraced hill and moonlit gardens presst 
 Their eager feet to where, in slumber stilled, 
 The Mother laid her swathed Babe to rest. 
 First greeting to a ransom'd world's new guest ! 
 The Lord, the Christ ! O seed of precious thought f 
 Henceforth to grow deep set in Mary's breast. 
 While far and wide the shepherds, angel-taught, 
 The glorious tidings still to 'mazed listeners brought ! 
 
 VII 
 
 The name-day now is come and covenant rite, 
 Which He whose life means service must obey, 
 E'en the helpless babe fulfilling thus in sight 
 Of God and man what law demands Him pay. 
 Here tinge those first red drops the stained way. 
 Which Jesus hence must climb to win His throne 
 Beside the Father — suffering learn to sway — 
 And hallow every cry, from child's faint moan, 
 To that which from man's heaving heart-deeps bursts in 
 groan. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 VIII 
 
 Another claim of custom still to meet, 
 For Mother and for Son in the Holy Shrine ; 
 Her forty days retirement now complete, 
 Obedience must be paid to law divine. 
 To Zion's heights the grateful steps incline. 
 There in the Temple two young birds in hand — 
 The poor folks' offering and accepted sign — 
 See Joseph and the Mother humbly stand. 
 Presenting first-born Son, redeemed at God's command. 
 
 IX 
 
 Now glow the aged Simeon's eyes afire, 
 Long strained, as Anna's, for sad Israel's Hope, 
 Here Spirit-drawn he clasps his heart's desire. 
 Content at last the gates of death should ope. 
 The Lord's own Christ ! No more need Gentiles grope 
 In darkness ; now o'erflooding earth with light 
 Shine's Israel's Glory, waxed to fullest scope. 
 Yet, probing all, this gainsayed radiance bright 
 Shall with mysterious pain the tenderest bosom smite. 
 
6 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 X 
 
 Their heart's full yearnings sated homeward went 
 The Eastern Princes, taught of God in dream 
 To 'ware fierce Herod and his fell intent 
 To slay this Babe whom true-born King they deem 
 Now mocked and raging plans he deadly scheme. 
 And slaughter-net 'gainst all of tender years, 
 Which in its cruel meshes fit may seem 
 To hold the wished-for prey he darkly fears, 
 Alas ! for Bethlehem's woe ! despairing Rachel's tears 
 
 XI 
 
 Not thus will die, enclosed, all nation's hope, 
 Dream-warned in time to Egypt Joseph flies. 
 In vain to death's grim shore is drawn the rope. 
 The Holy Child in loving arms now hies 
 To Nile's dark land where towering summits rise ; 
 There nurtured till the tyrant's awful end : 
 Then homeward drawn doth God afresh advise 
 Of Archelaus, and night-message send ; 
 And thus their northward way to Nazareth they wend. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XII 
 
 Here in fair vale 'mid Galilee's green hills, 
 Prepared the carpenter his humble home. 
 Here from the \illage fount at evening fills 
 The gentle wife her waterpot, when come 
 The maids and matrons, while the children roam 
 In happy play through fig and orange grove, 
 Or, fired to glimpse afar the sea's white foam, 
 Climb thymy hill, or in bright gardens rove ; 
 Here jESUS, graced by God, man-favoured, wisely throve. 
 
 XIII 
 
 So, passed sweet childhood's merry hours away 
 In healthy growth, in spirit's deepening thought, 
 The beauteous rosebud reached its opening day, 
 Twelve ripening years full flower at length had brought. 
 Now, as of age, may the Holy Town be sought. 
 When at the Paschal tide His parents make 
 Their yearly course to Feast, as Moses taught. 
 Who knows what thoughts in that young bosom wake 
 As pilgrims' thronged road by storied scenes they take ? 
 
8 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XIV 
 
 Till, last, on third day's march the stately towers 
 Of David's royal city pierce the sky, 
 And soon through gate where thick the crowd inpours 
 Walks soul-stirred lad with moist and wondering eye, 
 In musing rapt, athirst to satisfy 
 His yearning passion for His Father's Place, 
 Forgetting all save in its courts to try 
 With sweet docility and winning grace 
 The answers of great doctors — life's deep quest to trace. 
 
 XV 
 
 Another quest enthralls His parents' hearts — 
 Their priceless God-sent treasure now to find ; 
 The company without Him homeward starts, 
 Nor knows till later hour He's left behind, 
 Alone in noisy streets with men unkind. 
 So feared His loving wardens, and betook 
 Themselves in haste to search with troubled mind ; 
 Till found in God's own dwelling — where else look ?— 
 First chides the mother's ear her more than Son's rebuke 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XVI 
 
 Pass eighteen years, in God's deep silence spent, 
 And daily toil, while youth to manhood grew ; 
 Thrice-blessed home where One, from heaven lent, 
 Did with fresh grace each word and task bedew : 
 Yet, like our common homes, here sorrow threw 
 Its gloomy shadow, here by father's bed 
 To watch the passing spirit mourners drew 
 In tearful grief with hushed and solemn tread, 
 And Jesus, e'en as we, must sadly weep His dead. 
 
 * 
 
 XVII 
 
 Now runs the Messenger, foretold, his race. 
 Bidding all people to prepare the way. 
 The King of Kings Himself draws nigh apace. 
 To claim acceptance for His gracious sway : 
 Repent, be kind, be just, bear fruit, obey ! 
 So calls the Baptist's voice by Jordan's verge 
 And awed by burning words the dense array, 
 From town and field, sin's foulness seeks to purge. 
 Still He the matchless rank of coming Christ doth urge. 
 
10 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XVIII 
 
 While yet He spake of axe at root of tree, 
 Of hewing days at hand, of fan and fire. 
 Of One whose thonged shoes he might not free, 
 Of viperous broods, and God's dread judgment-ire — 
 This new Elijah dresst in rough attire — 
 There comes a greater Presence, 'fore whose mien 
 Of two-world light and strength and high desire 
 E'en Prophet's eye, as desert eagle's keen, 
 Droops, humbly quelled by soul-felt glimpse of deep things 
 seen. 
 
 XIX 
 
 For baptism He ? Nay rather His hands pour 
 On John's bowed head the sign of cleansed stain ? 
 Not so — 'tis fitting through this sacred door 
 Of consecration Christ His place attain 
 As God's High Priest, as King for aye to reign. 
 Then on His head from opened heaven above. 
 As up from stream to bank He moves again. 
 There lights the anointing Spirit as a dove, 
 While heard the Father's voice in deep content of love. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST II 
 
 XX 
 
 Now full of Spirit's power, and Spirit-led, 
 The Second Adam must the spoiler meet, 
 Take up the awful strife o'er ruined dead. 
 And in the desert wild the foe defeat, 
 So winning back the heavenly Garden sweet. 
 By every art of hell's shrewd spite assailed, 
 But found in flawless armour clad complete, 
 E'en in man's utter weakness Christ prevailed, 
 'Gainst One divinely pure all Satan's arrows failed. 
 
 T^ " W Tp -T? 9F 
 
 XXI 
 
 From fateful fight in Judah's stony waste. 
 Now beasts now angels by his lonely side, 
 Pass thought to where at Cana's marriage feast. 
 The Saviour by His presence beautified 
 Our human love and marriage, yet did chide, 
 With tender look, His mother's fond appeal 
 For marvel premature, and then provide 
 Best wine for water, in due hour reveal 
 His glory, now first shewn, His light no more conceal. 
 
12 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXII 
 
 With kinsfolk then the Son of man seeks home 
 By busy marge of Gahlee's bright lake, 
 His way not John's as eremite to roam, 
 And with stern cry the desert echoes wake, 
 But where life's tides in clashing currents break — 
 Capernaum's swarming streets — cast fisher's line 
 For souls of men, if haply they might take 
 Heaven's blessed bait ; this jESUS' dear design ; 
 So, searching human spoil, ranged far His wistful eyne. 
 
 XXIII 
 
 Rejoice a gathering band of faithful hearts, 
 Who for Messiah's coming long had sighed. 
 To hear the gracious lore His tongue imparts. 
 And find their souls' deep cravings satisfied. 
 With them He moves when nears Passovertide 
 To Salem — seeks the courts He loved so well ; 
 " Begone ! What means this traffic?" Loud He cried- 
 " My Father's House ! Is this fit place to sell " ? 
 Foretold this burning zeal His friends remembered well. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 13 
 
 XXIV 
 
 The night-wind from the hills breathes chilly sigh, 
 Dark shades, 'neath moonbeams cast, patch silent street. 
 Who, veiled, to room of jESUS thus comes nigh ? 
 Why steals the Teacher here with timid feet ? 
 Ah ! Nicodemus — in thy bosom meet 
 The old, the new, strange stirrings of young life 
 'Gainst frame of ancient statute strongly beat, 
 But jESUS will make clear the unearthly strife, 
 And tell of Spirit's breath with quickening blessings rife. 
 
 XXV 
 
 The sixth hour now ! a way-worn Traveller lies 
 By Jacob's well, in verdant Sychar's vale, 
 On either hand Samaria's mountains rise, 
 And scenes full oft described in Israel's tale, 
 While glances golden sunshine o'er the dale 
 Where, in due season, bows each grain-crowned head. 
 And fragrant scents in all the air prevail. 
 Now, gone disciples to the town for bread. 
 Draws near to lonely well a laden woman's tread. 
 
14 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXVI 
 
 " Wilt give Me drink ? " So opes the Master's word, 
 With deepest issue fraught to sinful soul. 
 From fount, the best poor earth can well afford, 
 To lead her thoughts to that whence waters roll. 
 In ceaseless spring, to mankind free of toll 
 For Hfe eternal ; this Messiah gives 
 In the heart's cool depths unbrimmed by clayey bowl 
 Through-probed by searching quest her conscience liv( 
 And Sychar's moved town on new found Christ believe 
 
 XXVII 
 
 Two days the kindly folk entreat His stay ; 
 Thence north He moves, with ever-growing fame, 
 From town to town in progress makes His way 
 Through Galilee with all men's glad acclaim. 
 And once again to favoured Cana came ; 
 Here speaks the healing word for noble's son, 
 So quenching from that hour the fever's flame, 
 As lay he at Capernaum sick and wan ; 
 A thankful household marks the deadly illness gone. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 1 5 
 
 XXVIII 
 
 To Nazareth then, famihar scene, He goes, 
 Perhaps with heavy boding in His breast. 
 Home-honour to no prophet — this He knows 
 The world's old way, yet fain, as welcomed guest. 
 Elsewhere with favour heard, His claims to attest 
 As God's Anointed — haply friends to win ; 
 Thus in the synagogue, from sacred chest 
 The roll received, on Sabbath, midst His kin 
 He stands to read the prophet-lesson writ therein. 
 
 XXIX 
 
 The Christ's great mission to the poor, the blind, 
 To heal the broken heart, dry mourner's tear, 
 To ope the prison gates to men confined 
 Sweet freedom preach in God's accepted year ! 
 Drinks in the gracious word each thirsty ear, 
 The straining eyes intent on speaker blaze, 
 Till full revealed His claims divine appear. 
 Then changed to censure deep their thought of praise, 
 " The carpenter ! no mighty work He here displays." 
 
l6 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXX 
 
 " Physician heal thyself" — so ran their thought, 
 As sweeps first breath of gale through quivering leaves 
 His ear the threatening murmurs quickly caught, 
 The wrathful stir His searching eye perceives, 
 His heart o'er withered hopes, low-stricken, grieves — 
 " Ye know of old how prophets, turned away, 
 " For strangers worked where found one who believes 
 No more they brook, to hill-top snatch their prey 
 For death ; then sudden awed no hands His passage staj 
 
 XXXI 
 
 On Nazareth then night's shrouding gloom descends, 
 Capernaum, now His earthly home, is bright 
 With sunshine from on high, 'mid new found friends 
 And pressing crowd He fills men's souls with light. 
 Speaks in the synagogue — puts forth His might, 
 Tears unclean spirit from poor sufferer's breast, 
 In Simon's house a fever puts to flight. 
 Touched by man's grief heals all with ill oppresst. 
 At thronged door, when sinks the glowing sun in west. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 17 
 
 XXXII 
 
 The grey dawn finds Him in the wild alone, 
 In strengthening prayer before His Father bent, 
 Soon sought again He enters busy town. 
 And shoreward to the sea's white margin went. 
 Still on His blessed work for men intent. 
 In Simon's boat, thrust forth at His command, 
 To eager crowds together closely pent, 
 He speaks, from thronging eased, a space from land, 
 On azure throned, while whispering wavelets kiss the sand. 
 
 XXXIII 
 
 His teaching done, He thinks of fishers' toil, 
 The weary night of labour spent in vain. 
 Constrained the brothers seek afresh for spoil — 
 Though now bright day, to deep launch forth again, 
 And, hopeful, for a draught drop circling seine : 
 O marvel ! see it bursts with finny prey ! 
 Their partners haste to share the unwonted strain, 
 And both boats fill to sinking — " Lord, Away ! " 
 Cries Peter, smit to heart — "Canst Thou with sinners 
 stay?" 
 
l8 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXXIV 
 
 " Fear not" — the Master said — "in other sea, 
 " With other net, thy toil shall greatly thrive ; 
 " Come Andrew too — come James and John with M( 
 " Of men be fishers, catch and keep alive." 
 No earthly care henceforth their souls shall rive 
 From life's new work and walk, forsaking all 
 That 'gainst their faithful ministry would strive ; 
 And Matthew soon will hear the Lord's strong call. 
 Arise and leave for aye the hated custom-stall. 
 
 XXXV 
 
 With PhiHp and Nathaniel these attend 
 Whatever course the Master's feet now take ; 
 Five others also doth He choose, to send 
 In due time forth the sleeping world to wake, 
 (But one alas ! his sacred bond will break) — 
 The brothers James and Jude, the Lord's own kin, 
 Of Alphaeus sons, stout pillars naught can shake ; 
 The zealot Simon, Thomas hight the twin. 
 And Judas, man of Kerioth, stained with traitor's sin. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST I9 
 
 XXXVI 
 
 'Twas dawn upon green Hattin's horned mount. 
 Where jESUS spent the starry night in prayer, 
 And now, as seek tired men refreshing fount. 
 To slake their thirst of soul vast throngs repair, 
 And for their grievous ailments win His care. 
 Not here, as on the desert mount of old, 
 A touch brought death to all who madly dare. 
 No wrathful lightnings scathe the humbly bold. 
 Who e'en His clothes for healing virtue press to hold. 
 
 XXXVII 
 
 Nay now the voice of gospel-blessing rings 
 Like silver trumpets' music rich and sweet, 
 Proclaiming all Messiah's advent brings. 
 The new life-law with store of love replete. 
 The bliss of those for heaven's kingdom meet — 
 The lowly, sad, the meek, the pure in heart. 
 The peacemakers, the kind, those fain to eat 
 And drink the right, who know sore sufferings smart. 
 But with the Son of Man in God have endless part. 
 
20 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXXVIII 
 
 Such was His theme : amazed all listeners heard 
 This doctrine, such as rule-bound scribe ne'er spoke, 
 Hot coals from burning heart which, kindling, stirred 
 To red-tongued flame thoughts smothered in dull smol 
 Words as from One who with soul-struggle broke 
 The chain of cramping form and petty rite. 
 Whose message as from truth's hill-top awoke 
 Men's dreaming lives with clarion-call to fight. 
 Win freedom for enslavement, for thick darkness light. 
 
 XXXIX 
 
 Dismissed the crowd, He townward leads the way. 
 See at His feet a wretched leper kneel ! 
 In utter loathsomeness and anguish pray 
 For health and cleansing ; can e'er such appeal 
 In vain to Him who did all sorrows feel ? 
 "Lord if Thou wilt ? " "Yea will I — be thou sound 
 Lo ! with His all-pure finger mark Him seal 
 By touch on foulest flesh the word profound. 
 Then urge him silent go perform what law had bound. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 21 
 
 XL 
 
 And now at lake-side home He had arrived. 
 Come Jewish elders gracious help to entreat 
 For worthy Roman's slave, of health deprived 
 By palsy-stroke — for boon his master meet — 
 To him was owed yon synagogue in street, 
 And thanks for love — "I go," the Saviour saith — 
 Forth sends Centurion humbly friends to greet, 
 Prays Him but speak commanding word to death ; 
 'He lives," said wondering Christ, " In Israel no such 
 faith ! " 
 
 XLI 
 
 Fair Nain high-perched on lesser Hermon's slope 
 God's visit to His people now must know. 
 For throng of weeping mourners see gate ope ; 
 To bear an only son to grave they go — 
 A widow's — meets her jESUS in her woe. 
 And His ; " Weep not," He said, and touched the bier ; 
 They stood while on death's ice Life shed His glow — 
 " Young man, I bid thee, Rise" — O sight of fear ! 
 The dead sits up and speaks — a mother's arms are near. 
 
22 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XLII 
 
 Flies rumour hundred-tongued through all the land, 
 The Baptist e'en in Herod's castle hears, 
 Seized by a woman's spite for stern command 
 'Gainst lawless sin, yet cruel tyrant fears. 
 Nor from his outer friends John wholly tears. 
 Does aught now dim the desert-prophet's eye 
 Who once the " Lamb of God" so plain declares ? 
 Hear from his caged and troubled heart the cry, 
 " Art Thou indeed the Christ, or comes another nigh ? ' 
 
 I 
 
 XLHI 
 
 " From John ? — Then go and tell him what ye see — 
 " The blind, lame, deaf, the lepers, find a cure, 
 " The dead are raised, the poor have gospel free, 
 " And blest is he whose faith shall still endure, 
 " Whose steady feet on roughest path walk sure — 
 " My messenger ! O, none of woman's birth 
 " Thy light as greatest prophet can obscure ; 
 " Yet whoso least in God's new realm on earth 
 " Holds place endowed past hope or dream of elder wort) 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 23 
 
 XLIV 
 
 ' O perverse generation, hard to please ! 
 ' Ye mind me of the children at their play : 
 ' When in the market sitting some will tease 
 ' And chide their fellows who but ill obey — 
 ' ' We piped for wedding dance, ye sullen stay, 
 ' ' We changed to mourners' wail, no tears are seen' : 
 ' E'en thus ye blamed John's stern and moody way, 
 ' Now charge I greedy eat with men unclean, 
 Yet Wisdom of her sons is justified I ween." 
 
 XLV 
 
 Same eve see Christ at Pharisee's to meat — 
 Desired, but a poorly honoured guest. 
 No welcome-kiss, no water for soiled feet, 
 No perfumed unguent on His temples presst ; 
 Yet not untended — who in eager quest 
 Stands near the couch to hear His balm-like word. 
 Wiped with her hair His tear-washed feet, caressed 
 Them, and from cruse of ointment stored 
 Luointed, 'mid dark frowns of host, her much-loved Lord ? 
 
24 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XLVI 
 
 A deep-dyed sinner all this woman knew, 
 And looked to see Him draw from stain away. 
 He, reading thought, on Simon fixed His view, 
 'Mid silence spake, " Somewhat I have to say, 
 " A certain man two debtors called one day — 
 " Five hundred pence, and fifty, what they owed — 
 " Frankly forgiven having naught to pay, 
 "Who most will love?" — "He pressed by greater load"- 
 "'Tis so 'twixt her and thee — her pardon's now bestowed 
 
 XLVn 
 
 And so in springtide's happy bloom He moved 
 Through town and village, gladdening every heart 
 With tidings of God's kingdom fully proved 
 By mighty works of grace and healing art. 
 By lone roadside and press of busy mart ; 
 With him the twelve, and women lately cured — 
 The Magdalene from whom seven sprites depart, 
 Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward 
 And others who His daily needs with care assured. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST : 
 
 XLVIII 
 
 And now again 'tis beach of harp like sea. 
 Where ever-deepening crowds His teaching crave, 
 And sitting in the boat from pressure free 
 In parables He searching lessons gave. 
 The sower's seed — the tares — much doctrine grave ; 
 And then with urgent wish seeks other side 
 When lengthen golden rays o'er evening wave, 
 But first three would-be follower's faith He tried, 
 Whose heart-roots deeply fixed in wordly soil abide. 
 
 XLIX 
 
 Just as He was, a weary, strain'd with thought 
 They take Him 'gain embark'd for eastern shore, 
 Yet not alone, for with them others sought 
 In many little ships the passage o'er. 
 Till sudden changed the sky and storm-clouds lower ; 
 But He on steersman's pillow deeply slept. 
 Nor recked of hissing foam and tempest's roar ; 
 High and more high the white-fanged billows leapt 
 And in their wolfish rage o'er prey had almost swept. 
 
26 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 So feared His weak-faith'd followers, and cry, 
 " O Master ! Master ! Save ! We perish — Wake ! 
 He rose, rebuked the sea and blustering sky, 
 And hushed to calm e'en sobs of heaving lake, 
 While with great dread the marvelling seamen quake. 
 So in the early dawn they reach the land 
 Of Gergesa, nor here can respite take 
 The much-sought Saviour — comes a fresh demand 
 From rocky cavern-tombs which on the hillside stand. 
 
 LI 
 
 Two madmen ! one of special wrath and might, 
 As by a demon legion sore possesst, 
 Aye crying on the mountains day and night, 
 Or wandering 'mid the tombs in wild unrest. 
 And cutting with sharp stones his tortured breast 
 Oft had men tried with fetter and with chain 
 To tame his ire, subdue the awful pest ; 
 In naked strength he rent their bonds in twain. 
 Nor could all human means his devil-rage restrain. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 27 
 
 LII 
 
 Poor troubled brain ! — who speaks? — or sprite or man? 
 When, running from afar to jESUS' feet, 
 He kneels and loudly seeks the voice to ban 
 Which would the demons send to hell's deep pit ; 
 " Nay, if they must begone, will He permit 
 Them entrance to yon herd of startled swine ? " 
 It seemeth so, unclean for unclean meet ; 
 Two thousand madden'd beasts down steep incline 
 In headlong rush to lake's dark depths at once combine. 
 
 LIII 
 
 The frighted swineherds with the tidings flee, 
 In town and country spread the wondrous tale. 
 From all sides hastening crowds run forth to see, 
 And find the man possesst now clothed and hale 
 At Saviour's feet ; gone cloud of deadly bale 
 From mind's clear sky ; amazed and sore afraid 
 They urge Him from their coasts forthwith to sail, 
 While healed one to follow humbly prayed : 
 Not suffered, far and wide he jESUS' ruth displayed. 
 
28 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LIV 
 
 " His own" — so called — "city" thence He seeks 
 Still in the day's young hours o'er smiling mere, 
 And in the house His wonted gospel speaks, 
 While gathering crowds from every street appear, 
 And e'en some Scribes and Pharisees to hear. 
 See ! four men vainly struggling in the throng. 
 Who would their palsied friend to Christ bring near ; 
 At length by housetop stair they walk along, 
 And strip the tiled roof with faith-stirred muscles strong. 
 
 LV 
 
 Right o'er where jESUS sat they couch let down 
 Whereon their silent burden helpless lay, 
 And wist not all the blessing which would crown 
 His faith and hope on this most happy day. 
 Forgiveness first of sins — not hard to say, 
 But needing* power divine, as Christ will prove — 
 His spirit read men's secret thoughts alway — 
 "Arise, take up thy bed and homeward move ; '" 
 He went, while all amazed extol God's gracious love. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 29 
 
 LVI 
 
 Gone forth to teach Christ comes again from shore, 
 A guest in Levi's house He sat at meat ; 
 Though pubHcans and sinners throng the door, 
 Ashamed not in such company to eat — 
 " By sick man's side physician takes his seat, 
 'Twas sinners not the just He came to call " — 
 Thus mutter'd ire of scribes He doth defeat. 
 And bids them 'ware tradition's numbing thrall ; 
 On love, not bleeding flesh, God's eyes of favour fall. 
 
 LVII 
 
 Then John's disciples their objection cast — 
 Some soreness in their thought at less strict ways 
 Of Christ and His, who feast while others fast ! 
 Alas ! they nothing know of coming days 
 When — lost the Bridegroom — death's dark shadow lays 
 Its pall on mourning friends ; hearts hunger then : 
 Who, vain, old cloth with new to patch essays. 
 Or deems worn skins fresh vintage can contain ? 
 Yet lingers long the old faith's taste with elder men. 
 
30 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LVIII 
 
 While yet He spake came, running, one who kneels— 
 Jairus hight, of synagogue a chief — 
 And for his little daughter's life appeals, 
 With urgent tears from jESUS seeks relief, 
 And sobs his woeful plaint distraught with grief ; 
 "My child — O Master; come ! Death-gripped she hes- 
 Lay but Thy hand, she'll live — a moment brief 
 Delayed she's gone ! " See Saviour, moved, arise ! 
 With Him to ruler's house a throng of people hies. 
 
 LIX 
 
 The hastening feet a suffering woman heard, 
 Twelve years now sorely plagued, her substance spent 
 In vain research for cure — with hope new stirred 
 She follows in the press on healing bent : 
 What if on mercy's errand full attent 
 He mark her not ! Mayhap she health will steal ! 
 His raiment's hem she touches as He went, 
 Then shamefast would her instant cure conceal 
 Nor knows His body too the throb of power must feel. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LX 
 
 " Who touched my clothes ? No thrust of curious crowd, 
 But timid pluck of one beUeving hand," 
 No longer hid she trembling came, and bowed 
 Before His feet, declared — at His demand. 
 And searching look her fears could ill withstand — 
 All her sad case and silent fret of soul. 
 How in despair of other aid she plann'd 
 Her last bold venture and her blessing stole : 
 " Go daughter, cheered, in peace, thy faith hath made thee 
 whole." 
 
 LXI 
 
 Scarce fell the gracious words, when certain come 
 From ruler's house with heavy tidings fraught, 
 " Thy daughter's passed, death lords thy darkened home, 
 " Why worry now the Master ? Serveth naught." 
 But Jesus' ear the piteous message caught, 
 " Fear not"— He said to ruler—" Still believe." 
 Thus reached He house and, entering, with Him brought 
 But Peter, James, and John : His eyes perceive 
 The minstrels and the noisy women hired to grieve. 
 
32 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXII 
 
 "Why make ye this ado" — He said — "and weep, 
 " Give place ; 'tis not the time for mourners' wail, 
 " The damsel is not dead, 'tis but a sleep : " 
 They, knowing death's dread tokens 'gainst Him rail 
 In scornful laughter — " Can soft words avail 
 To wake this sleeper ? " Puts He all away ; 
 With father, mother, and His own draws veil 
 Of chamber where the twelve-year maiden lay, 
 "Damsel, arise !" He saith — "Her strength with meat 
 now stay." 
 
 Lxni 
 
 What sad-faced men approach and audience crave 
 To bring a shameful tale of wrong and spite ? 
 The Baptist's — laid their masters corse in grave — 
 Now come to tell the Christ of ruthless might 
 In Herod's black-tower'd keep, and bloody sight 
 Of headless trunk flung o'er Machserus' walls 
 In vile exposure wet with dews of night. 
 At birthday feast of tyrant, when he calls 
 His lords, high captains, chief estates, this woe befalls. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 33 
 
 LXIV 
 
 Much wine had passed, comes forth in wanton dance 
 Herodias' daughter, taught with fell design, 
 And, pleasing all, won Herod's favouring glance, 
 And oath, " To half my kingdom all is thine 
 Thou'rt fain to ask " — Her mother will define 
 The much desired boon — "John Baptist's head, 
 Here, now, in charger — Be this guerdon mine." 
 Exceeding grieved, but shamed now word had sped, 
 Herod his headsman sends, and dauntless John is dead. 
 
 LXV 
 
 Still walked Christ forth in hamlet and in town. 
 Dispensing grace and health to all in need. 
 Kind words of cheer to troubled hearts cast down 
 Men's hungry souls as shepherd fain to feed ; 
 Sore grieved as falls unreaped the golden seed 
 From ripened spikes in plenteous harvest waste. 
 For lack of labourers' hands and busy deed 
 Of faithful toil though westering sun bids haste ; 
 Some sickles He at least 'mong waving stalks will cast. 
 
34 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXVI 
 
 His twelve He calls, with marvel-power endues, 
 And sends them two and two 'mid Israel's lost. 
 To preach the coming kingdom, gifts to use — 
 Received freely, shared then free of cost, 
 Yet in poor garb to seek a worthy host 
 In each town entered with a word of peace ; 
 Refused ; then to shake from feet the dust. 
 And leave the doomed city's woes increase 
 To higher pitch than those which Sodom justly seize. 
 
 LXVII 
 
 'Twas feast-tide at Jerusalem ; alone 
 Went Jesus up : it happ'd on Sabbath day 
 At Sheepgate Pool, by name Bethesda known, 
 Five-porched, He viewed the suffering crowd that lay- 
 Sick, blind, halt, withered — in their sad array, 
 All keenly watchful of the troubled spring. 
 Then struggling to step down in prompt essay, 
 Such health and cure the wholesome wave might brinj 
 To those who first enjoyed its wondrous billowing. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 35 
 
 LXVIII 
 
 Among them one drew most Christ's pitying eye. 
 For eight and thirty years afflicted sore, 
 Him Jesus asked, " of his infirmity. 
 Would he be healed ? " He told how heretofore 
 By others passed none helped him from the shore. 
 " Arise ! take up thy bed ! " So Christ him bade — 
 " Now walk ! " He straightway rose and pallet bore, 
 But wist not who it was him healthy made. 
 For Jesus in the throng Himself away conveyed. 
 
 LXIX 
 
 But jealous eyes observed the Sabbath-breach — 
 His healer's bidding all the man's excuse — 
 Till later met in temple Christ doth teach 
 Him 'ware lest sin indulged should worse induce. 
 He, hastening, tells, 'twas jESUS set him loose 
 From woe of years : henceforth their dogged hate 
 Till death the ever-working Lord pursues, 
 God's witness'd Son — thus He His claim doth state — 
 The Judge of quick and dead, nor from this aught abate. 
 
CANTO II 
 
€l^e ^ong of tljc €tingt 
 
 CANTO II 
 
 I 
 
 Return the twelve to Christ with weary pace, 
 Their mission fruit of deed and speech to tell ; 
 " Come now" — saith He — "apart to desert place 
 " Across the lake ; I wot ye laboured well ; 
 " Take rest awhile." E'en hither goads impel 
 The yearning minds of throngs His face to seek, 
 As sheep their pastor track through moor and fell 
 What could His loving heart but comfort speak, 
 And in great pity feed the flock forlorn and weak ! 
 
40 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 II 
 
 But not with bread of heaven's life alone, 
 For earth-wants too His tender thought has care, 
 When worn the day and long the shades had grown 
 The twelve would send the crowd to buy their fare ; 
 In towns and country round, and lodging share : 
 " They need not go" — said jESUS — " give them meat — 
 " Philip ! " He spake to prove what faith would dare — 
 Himself had purpose fixt, and plan complete — 
 "Thou know'st this region, whence buy bread for these to* 
 eat ? " 
 
 III 
 
 " Lord ! twice a hundred pennyworth of bread 
 " For such a throng," quoth he, "would ill suffice, 
 " That each might take a little ! " Andrew said, 
 " Five barley loaves, two fishes small of size 
 " A lad here hath — what 'vaileth this advice ? " 
 " By fifties seat the men " — such Christ's command •, 
 They range them as He bade in great surprise 
 On grassy green. He, loaves and fish in hand. 
 Eyes fixt on high, in front for blessing takes His stand. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 4I 
 
 IV 
 
 Then brake and gave disciples of the food, 
 Which in supply unfailing they bestow, 
 Till filled each rank of hungry multitude — 
 Five thousand men, like flower-beds row by row, 
 Yea women too and children — who bestrew 
 The ground with plenteous fragments which remain ; 
 Hereby will Christ a thrifty lesson shew 
 That naught be lost ; for, gathered on the plain 
 At His demand, twelve osier wallets full are ta'en. 
 
 V 
 
 Strange murmurs now arise from every lip, 
 " The world's expected prophet's here to-day ! " 
 Constrained He straight His learners to take ship 
 For western side, while He sends folk away — 
 Who, fain to make Him King, would gladly stay — 
 And then alone to mountain top ascends 
 In fading light of wind-streaked sky, to pray, 
 While o'er the swelling billows toil His friends 
 And at the springing blade each labouring oarsman bends. 
 
42 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 VI 
 
 For with the growing night the sea arose, 
 And angry waves soon reared their foaming crest, 
 As from the opposing hills a tempest blows 
 In sudden gust on quivering bark distresst. 
 Nor gives the wearied rowers stay or rest. 
 And now in midst of sea in darkest sky — 
 The night's fourth watch — on watery ridges presst. 
 They see the nearing form of Christ and cry 
 As if in mist of spray a spirit passed them by. 
 
 VII 
 
 Then loud o'er screaming storm and wash of wave 
 Rose Jesus' welcome voice, " No cause for fear, 
 '"Tis I "— " Thou Lord ! " cried Peter ever brave, 
 " Then bid me to Thy side on surge draw near ; " 
 " So come," said Christ : the sea his feet doth bear, 
 And Peter walked till cowed by boisterous blast. 
 His faith gave way, so wild the waves appear ; 
 " Save Lord ! " he sinking cries — then holden fast 
 And brought to ship wind fell; lo, wished-for shore at last! 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 43 
 
 VIII 
 
 Scarce landed, folk their sick in couches brought ; 
 The tidings fly through town and country wide, 
 E'en leave to touch His garment's hem they sought. 
 Nor found their prayers for heahh and help denied. 
 Next day came people back from other side 
 In ships, and jESUS seek, the loaves in mind ; 
 Their earthly thought and greed He's bound to chide. 
 And bade them toil for meat of heavenly kind. 
 The during bread of life in God's sealed Son to find. 
 
 IX 
 
 This in Capernaum's synagogue He spake 
 Mayhap the carved manna-pot o'er door 
 His thought directs and bids Him subject take 
 From God's kind desert food in days of yore ; 
 Yea draws He now hard sayings from deep store, 
 'Mid murmurs claims His Father's pledged grace. 
 Who sent Him down the world's life to ensure 
 By eating of His flesh — the dead to raise — 
 To those who truly drink His blood give heavenly place. 
 
44 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 Such words e'en some disciples' hearts' offend, 
 And Jesus doth their darkening faith perceive, 
 " What if ye see the Son of Man ascend 
 " Up where He was before — still dare believe ? 
 " Ah ! well said I, of God ye must receive 
 " Ere come to Me — 'Tis spirit Hfe bestows 
 " Flesh naught avails." So deeply must He grieve 
 As from His face each lost backshder goes ; 
 E'en of His twelve a traitorous devil one He knows. 
 
 XI 
 
 Now certain Scribes and Pharisees arrive 
 From Salem since the Feast to watch Him sent, 
 And for their elders' vain tradition strive 
 Against the Lord in bitter argument, 
 Because with unwashed hands disciples went 
 To eat their bread. Fall words of stern rebuke 
 On hypocrites who human forms invent ; 
 Will God lip-praise from heart estranged brook ? 
 From unclean thoughts not skin defilement man aye took. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 45 
 
 XII 
 
 One Sabbath-day the Lord through cornfields passed, 
 His followers hungry pluck some ears to eat, 
 The wheat outrubbed the chaff away they cast. 
 Them watchful Pharisees with anger greet — 
 " Why dare these men our Rabbis' law defeat ? " 
 " Nay, read ye not," said Christ, " what David did, 
 " How he and his e'en shew-bread took for meat ? 
 " Who doth the Sabbath-work of priests forbid ? 
 "The day is Mine, for man" — thus He their folly chid. 
 
 XIII 
 
 'Twas Sabbath when in Synagogue He taught. 
 And saw a workman there with withered hand, 
 He marked men too whom jealous spite had brought 
 To watch would He defy the law's command : 
 " Rise up," said He, " in midst take now thy stand : " 
 Strained every ear and eye — " or harm or good, 
 " To save or kill ? How much hath this day bound ? 
 " A sheep to lift from pit — 'tis understood 
 "As lawful Sabbath deed ?" Still kept they silence rude. 
 
46 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XIV 
 
 From surly face to face His glances swept, 
 As beacon-light reveals each frowning wave : 
 With inward tears His grieving spirit wept, 
 As views He souls slow hardening for the grave — 
 A living death ! Then thought to patient gave, 
 "Stretch forth thy hand;" he stretched it forth restored ; 
 The Pharisees with madness choking rave — 
 Nor word nor deed safe pretext can afford — 
 And with Herodians now plan death with strange accord. 
 
 XV 
 
 Withdraws then Christ to Tyre and Sidon's coast. 
 And fain in house His presence there would hide, 
 A Syrian Greek, her breast with anguish tost. 
 For mercy to the Son of David cried — 
 Her daughter by a helUsh imp sore tried — 
 No word ! she pleads till He this answer make, 
 " Israel's lost sheep My care ! " still faith can bide : 
 " Shall I the children's bread for dogs then take ? " 
 "Lord, dogs eat crumbs ! " " 'Tis as thou wilt," He spake. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 47 
 
 XVI 
 
 Then southward, through DecapoHs He moves, 
 The lame, blind, dumb, and maimed for health beseech; 
 One special case His kindly treatment proves — 
 A deaf man with impediment in speech. 
 To heal him passed the skill of earthly leech : 
 This man Christ takes from multitude aside, 
 He touches ear and tongue. His eyes upreach 
 With yearning gaze to heaven, He spat, He sighed. 
 Then "Ephphatha" — that is, "Be opened!" loud he cried. 
 
 xvn 
 
 Straightway his ears are opened, loosed tongue-string, 
 He plainly talks ; strict charge doth jESUS speak. 
 They no man tell ; the more His praises ring. 
 On all sides pubUsht, greater numbers seek 
 His blessed presence cheering sick and weak. 
 He calls disciples near, " Three days," He said 
 " These people stay, nought now their fast to break ; 
 " It pities Me, 'tis ours to find them bread." 
 Then with seven loaves and fishes few four thousand fed. 
 
48 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XVIII 
 
 Seven baskets full of pieces that remain 
 Then gathered up, the crowds are homeward sent ; 
 The Lord with His at once takes ship again, 
 And course to Dalmanutha's parts He bent, 
 Through Magdala and neighbourhood they went ; 
 Here Pharisees and Sadducees combine, 
 As rarely hawks with kites on prey intent ; 
 As scorpions bask with asps in sun's hot shine 
 Come forth His lurking foes and seek from Christ a sign. 
 
 XIX 
 
 " Give us a token plain from heaven above, 
 
 " Where reacheth not some subtle devil's hand ; 
 
 " Or dark the sun or moon — with thunder prove 
 
 " Thy claim, shew earth with brilliant rainbow spann'd, 
 
 " Sweet manna rain, call fire or hail on land ! " 
 
 " Ah ! weatherwise, ye read the welkin's face — 
 
 " Fair eve's bright glow, morn's threatening red have 
 
 scann'd ; 
 " And can ye not Messiah's portents trace ? 
 "No sign but Jonah's meet for this adulterous race." 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 49 
 
 XX 
 
 Thence sailing, at Bethsaida He heals 
 A blind man slowly, by set motions stayed ; 
 The world's gay sights in part the Lord reveals, 
 Then perfect restoration later made. 
 But tidings in the noisy town forbade. 
 Thence Caesarea Philippi He sought. 
 And 'mong its towns somewhile to preach delayed 
 On way, disciples to His side close brought. 
 He searching question put to prove their inmost thought. 
 
 XXI 
 
 The Son of Man — " who now say men I am ? " 
 " The Baptist," answer they, " or elder seer ; " 
 " And ye — how rate ye now My life's great claim ? " 
 " The Christ, the Son of living God, 'tis clear " — 
 So bursts forth Peter : pleased the Lord gives ear. 
 And blesses Simon's faith thus God-revealed, 
 More ! " On this rock though heUish foes appear, 
 " My Church for aye securely will I build, 
 "And heavenly keys with heavens's sanction shalt thou 
 wield." 
 
50 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXII 
 
 From that time forth gan Christ His own to shew 
 What at Jerusalem should hap, He told 
 What suffering e'en to death He'd undergo, 
 Yet how the grave His body ne'er could hold 
 Which must on third day rise ! Then Peter bold 
 Will dare rebuke : said Lord, " Hence Satan ! get 
 Behind Me — savourest evil as of old." 
 Then, calling people near, the choice He set, 
 Lost life true living gained, Christ-shame with shaming 
 met. 
 
 XXIII 
 
 Passed week, still in those parts, a mount He clomb 
 With Peter, James, and John apart to pray. 
 Lo ! as He prayed — 'twas night — 'neath starry dome, 
 Transfigured shines as if with sun's bright ray 
 His glorious face — heaven's gleam through earthly clay. 
 E'en raiment shone, past fuller's skill to white. 
 As ghstering snow on Hermon's brow which lay 
 And, still to increase the awe of wondrous sight. 
 Great Moses and Elijah walked with Christ in light ! 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXIV 
 
 Such marvels met His chosen's startled gaze. 
 As, straining heavy lids, they kept awake. 
 And, loosed the spell which slumber on them lays. 
 Gave heed while Christ and other two low spake 
 Of " exodus " from earth He soon must take. 
 Then, as they parted from Him, Peter cried, 
 " Three tabernacles. Lord, O let us make 
 " For Thee and them — well may we here abide : " 
 He wist not what to say, with fear himself beside. 
 
 XXV 
 
 E'en with the word descends God's presence-cloud. 
 Which wraps the shining Three in bright embrace. 
 And from its veil comes thrilling Voice aloud, 
 " My Son beloved, endeared by matchless grace, 
 " Hear Him ! " Fall scared disciples on their face, 
 Till Jesus came and, touching, bade them rise, 
 " Be not afraid," He said ; but vacant space 
 They see when sudden lift they wondering eyes, 
 Jesus alone with them, passed twain once more to skies. 
 
 51 
 
52 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXVI 
 
 'Twas day when He and His descend the hill, 
 A crowd around His learners meets His gaze 
 Reflects, mayhap, His face some radiance still, 
 For many run to greet Him with amaze : 
 A father for his only son's health prays — 
 Poor lunatic, much vext with devil's ire, 
 Who 'gainst him all his furious strength arrays. 
 Oft takes and tears, in water casts and fire ; 
 Nor could disciples' might avail to grant desire. 
 
 xxvn 
 
 " Bring him to me " — said Christ — then as he came 
 Straightway the spirit threw and rent him sore. 
 Dread shrieks appal as, foaming, writhed his frame : 
 More urgent plaint the father's lips now bore, 
 " O help us if Thou canst — my child restore ! " 
 " If thou! " said Christ — "canst thou My word receive? 
 " Who but has faith owns key of heaven's door — 
 " All things may win : " " O Lord I do believe, 
 " Help Thou mine unbelief ; in pity succour give ! " 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 53 
 
 XXVIII 
 
 " Come out thou spirit foul" — such Christ's rebuke — 
 " This body enter not to hurt again." 
 The devil cried aloud, and sufferer shook 
 With mighty spasm : then, departure ta'en. 
 Left him as dead — some thought by anguish slain — 
 But held by Saviour's hand he, cured, arose. 
 Apart, disciples jESUS ask to explain 
 Why failed they : their want of faith He shews, 
 And this kind out by prayer and fasting only goes. 
 
 XXIX 
 
 Departing thence, through Galilee He passed, 
 Nor would that men His journeys here should know, 
 Upon His soul the Cross its shadow cast, 
 A second time the Twelve must hear His woe — 
 Betrayal — death — the grave — let these words go 
 Through ears to depths of heart ; but on third day 
 Again He'll rise — 'tis hard in sunny glow 
 To think of icy blast, in springtide gay 
 Of winter's dreary blight — His learners naught can say. 
 
54 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXX 
 
 'Twas at Capernaum, to Peter sent, 
 Came officers, who meaning question state — 
 " Your Master pays He not to us, content, 
 " The fixt half-shekel due for temple-rate ? " 
 For counsel will not hasty Simon wait, 
 But answers, " Yea" — prevents his tale the Lord, 
 " E'en earthly kings for sons their taxes 'bate — 
 " Natheless lest we offend cast hook and cord 
 "In mouth of first-caught fish our needful coin is stored; 
 
 XXXI 
 
 Ambition's seeds in heart now taking root 
 Shew in the Twelve, weed-thoughts of earthly place, 
 They with themselves for precedence dispute, 
 And Jesus knew, and will their pride abase ; 
 So, sitting in the house, calls to His face 
 And in the midst doth set a little child, 
 Then takes him in His arms with fond embrace 
 And bids them note, 'tis such the meek, the mild 
 Hold highest rank in heaven's kingdom undefiled. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 55 
 
 XXXII 
 
 Much more He taught — of those who took His part 
 Though following not — of water for Christ's sake 
 To thirsty given — of risk to trip one heart, 
 To cause one Httle one offence to take, 
 Far better drowned with millstone 'bout the neck — 
 Of need to cut away hand, foot, or eye, 
 Or aught which hazards hell's deep fiery lake. 
 Where flame can ne'er be quenched nor worm die — 
 Of worth of souls whose angels see God's face on high. 
 
 XXXIII 
 
 Lost folk the Son of Man came down to save, 
 As shepherd seeks one strayed from hundred sheep. 
 His Uttle ones God willeth not to leave 
 Alone to perish helpless, but will keep ; 
 And so though man 'gainst man hath trespassed deep 
 Let him be sought and as a brother gained. 
 Forgiveness sown forgiveness sure men reap 
 And then, by touching parable explained, 
 Christ, answering Peter, showed how widely kindness 
 reigned. 
 
56 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXXIV 
 
 " A King once with his servants reckoning made, 
 " Marks one who doth ten thousand talents owe, 
 " To slavery doomed he respite humbly prayed, 
 " His gracious lord doth all his debt forego ; 
 " Yet nought of ruth that villain soul doth know, 
 " Released, a fellow-servant soon he seeks, 
 " Who owes an hundred pence — no grace will shew, 
 " But grasps his throat, his heart in prison breaks ; 
 "Just doom the wrathful King on wicked caitiff wreaks." 
 
 XXXV 
 
 The harvest feast of tabernacles near 
 His brethren urged Him make more public claim 
 And in Judea with great works appear : 
 Believed they not as yet in full His name ; 
 And, searching motive, finds He cause to blame — 
 Let them go now, if pleased His time He'll choose -, 
 So, later, by Samaria's route He came ; 
 When, like EHjah, James and John would use 
 Heaven's fire on village rude, must gentler Christ refuse. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 57 
 
 XXXVI 
 
 So moved the Son of Man to other town, 
 And sought some place His weary head to rest, 
 In sooth no home on earth He called His own 
 Though fox had hole and bird of air had nest : 
 For homeless souls His thought is aye distresst. 
 And, as before the Twelve, so seventy now 
 He sends to bid them shelter in God's breast, 
 The blessings of Messiah's yoke to show, 
 Alas ! on unrepenting towns fall words of woe. 
 
 XXXVII 
 
 It happed as to Jerusalem He went. 
 And entered in a certain village street. 
 Ten lepers gaze afar with look intent : 
 With lifted voice for mercy they entreat. 
 " Go show yourselves to priests" — He said — "'tis meet." 
 Lo ! as they went they found their bodies whole, 
 And one returning falls at jESUS' feet — 
 Samaritan was he who doth extol 
 God's glory; "Where the nine?" — said Christ — "go 
 healed in soul." 
 
58 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXXVIII 
 
 'Mid expectation born of hate and love 
 Is Christ at last in the Holy City found. 
 There in the Temple speaks from God above. 
 Though quickly girt with enemies around ; 
 Yet few denied His gospel's gracious sound. 
 On last great day of feast He stood and cried, 
 As fetched men water by old custom bound, 
 " Whoso's athirst by Me shall be supplied " — 
 He spake of Spirit's gift when He was glorified. 
 
 XXXIX 
 
 From Olivet, where the houseless jESUS passed 
 The autumn night, God's shrine He early sought : 
 Around Him soon the eager people massed, 
 And as He sat He weighty doctrine taught. 
 The Scribes and Pharisees a woman brought, 
 Ta'en in adultery whom now they placed 
 In midst for judgment as in vile act caught. 
 "Master" — they, tempting, said — "all such disgraced — 
 "Thou know' St our Moses' law — must death by stoning 
 taste." 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 59 
 
 XL 
 
 " What sayest Thou ? " He, silent, stooped and wrote 
 On ground with finger, as if nought He heard : 
 They press for atiswer, still demand His vote ; 
 He lifts Himself, as from deep thinking stirred, 
 The scowling faces views, and spoke this word, 
 "Whoso is free from sin shall cast first stone." 
 Again He stooping wrote. By sin deterr'd 
 And lash of conscience go they one by one ; 
 From eldest unto last, and jESUS leave alone. 
 
 XLI 
 
 He lifts Himself and sees the woman shamed 
 Still standing where they put her, all men gone, 
 " Woman" — He said — " of all hath no man blamed ? 
 " Thy stern accusers ! " " Lord," she answered, " none." 
 " Nor will I now condemn for what thou'st done ; 
 " Go sin no more." Soon other folk draw near. 
 And hear fresh themes and teaching new begun, 
 " Himself the world's true light — two record bear — 
 "His deeds. His Father's words; such witness sure and 
 clear ! " 
 
60 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XLII 
 
 Yet more He said, and no man laid a hand. 
 Not yet was fully come His destined hour, 
 Yea not a few believe who round him stand, 
 But warning He will give of sin's hard power. 
 Its galling bonds, its fast and gloomy tower — 
 Christ's faithful ones know truth, and truth makes free- 
 Nor let Jews boast of x^braham's children's dower. 
 And heritage of grace and liberty. 
 Who lie and kill the devil's seed must ever be. 
 
 XLHI 
 
 Same Sabbath jESUS meets one blind from birth, 
 
 Sin-caused by self or sire disciples said, 
 
 "Not so," made answer Christ, "God's works on earth 
 
 " In him should e'en be shewn — My light is shed 
 
 " While }'et I live and work : when day is dead, 
 
 " And night is come, man's time for toil is past." 
 
 He spake, then spat, thus clay for eyes He made, 
 
 " Go now, of Siloam's pool some water cast 
 
 " Upon thy face." He went and came, full-cured at last 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 6 1 
 
 XLIV 
 
 With eager quest the Pharisees enquire 
 How he in truth from Christ received his sight, 
 He tells them all he knew — the smeared mire, 
 The washing in Siloam, blessed light. 
 His parents now they summon, and invite 
 Their judgment on his case, who, timid, weak. 
 Advise them ask their son, a full-grown wight : 
 Again they call him, further knowledge seek ; 
 He dares to chide their spite, of Christ devoutly speak. 
 
 XLV 
 
 They cast him out ; he then by jESUS found. 
 And by Him taught, on Son of God believes. 
 The Lord uplifts His voice 'mid all around. 
 And o'er the nation's blinded eyesight grieves : 
 He speaks of sheepfold door and climbing thieves. 
 Of faithful Shepherd ; known by name His sheep 
 They know His voice, for them His life He gives. 
 Nor flees as hireling from the wolf's fierce leap : 
 Yet other sheep with these — one flock — He too will keep. 
 
62 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XLVI 
 
 Behold ! one day a certain lawyer stands 
 And, tempting, asked, " eternal life how gain ? " 
 "How readest thou," said Christ, "the law's commands?" 
 He, answering, sums the Tables' words in main — 
 To God and neighbour man love's fullest strain. 
 " 'Tis well rephed," said Christ, " who doth this lives." 
 Who neighbour is He then must make more plain. 
 And lesson of true loving kindness gives 
 By tale of how he fared who fell among the thieves. 
 
 XLVn 
 
 " From Salem down to Jericho he went, 
 " By Bloody Way was stript and wounded sore, 
 " Was left half dead : a priest on service bent 
 " Came on the road, and, passing by, forbore 
 " To render help, yea left Him in His gore : 
 " A Levite next just looked then stepped aside ; 
 " Last a Samaritan — who bending o'er 
 " Bound wounds and sets Him on his beast to ride 
 "And doth with neighbour's care all wants in inn provide !" 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 63 
 
 XLVIII 
 
 Withdrawn from threatening scenes in urban bound, 
 To peaceful village seeking calm and rest 
 At Bethany He kindly welcome found 
 In Martha's home, a loved and honoured guest : 
 To household cares herself she much addresst ; 
 Her sister Mary with more thoughtful heart 
 At Jesus' feet drank in His gospel blest : 
 Much-cumbered Martha tells her peevish smart, 
 But, gently taught true need, knows Mary's better part. 
 
 XLIX 
 
 " Teach us to pray as John his learners taught " — 
 So one of His doth jESUS ask one day 
 When He from praying ceased, and, thus besought. 
 As once before He shews them what to say, 
 And how due worship to the Father pay, 
 Who dwells in heaven, yet like earthly friend. 
 Importuned, gives his bread without delay, 
 Like earthly father gracious ear doth lend. 
 And to His children's needs with thoughtful care attend. 
 
64 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 He enters house — no leisure e'en to eat ! 
 His kin almost by force would Him control 
 As one beside Himself with zealous heat ; 
 And hidden fire consuming inmost soul, 
 But none must let His work and destined goal. 
 They brought one mute, of devil held and blind ; 
 He gave him sight and speech, from demon whole. 
 Sure proof He's David's Son in people's mind, 
 " Not so, Beelzebub He doth as ally find ! " 
 
 LI 
 
 So spake the Pharisees from Salem sent. 
 But He their spiteful folly doth debate — 
 " Satan 'gainst Satan ! 'tis strange argument — 
 " Kingdoms divided aye lie desolate — 
 " Your own son's power how will ye vindicate ? 
 " 'Tis God's true kingdom by God's finger shewn, 
 " The strong man from a stronger meets defeat, 
 " Your evil tree by evil fruit is known, 
 " Blaspheme not Holy Ghost lest nought your sin atone.' 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 LII 
 
 Again they tempting seek a heavenly sign : 
 " No sign," said He, " but Jonah's shall ye have, 
 " Three days and nights did He by power divine 
 " Find lodging in the fish 'neath ocean's wave, 
 " So must the Son of Man in earth's deep grave ; 
 " What he to Ninevites the Christ to you, 
 " And more ! His word to penitence them drave, 
 " Their witness you in judgment hour shall rue 
 "And Queen's who left her south great Solomon to view." 
 
 LHI 
 
 One asked Him arbitrate in worldly store, 
 'Twixt him and brother heritage divide : 
 " Not so," said Christ, " beware the greed of more, 
 " Man's Hfe doth not in goods and gain abide." 
 Then tells He tale of one ill satisfied 
 With barns too small to hold his plenteous fruit, 
 Who larger plann'd, on years of mirth reUed, 
 Nor, fooHsh, knew the axe was at life's root — 
 His soul that night required, unready, destitute ! 
 
66 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LIV 
 
 " Fret not. My own, for food or raiment need, 
 " Who gave your life your body — trust His care. 
 " To sow, to reap, the ravens give no heed, 
 " Their craggy nests no winter storehouse bear, 
 " God feedeth them — you must His bounty share. 
 " Consider too the UUes of the field, 
 " They toil not, spin not for the hues they wear : 
 " Did Tyrian looms to Solomon e'er yield 
 " Such garb as that which spring's full wardrobe hath 
 revealed ? •' 
 
 LV 
 
 " If God so clothe the grass which blooms to-day, 
 " To-morrow flames in the oven's fiery breath, 
 " Doubt ye your God's supply of meet array, 
 "Or love which all your need kind furnisheth ? 
 " Your Father knows ! O ye of little faith ! 
 " Fear not — His kingdom seek — then all beside 
 " Is yours, or here or there, in life or death. 
 " Sell that ye have, heaven's treasure so provide — 
 " Where thief nor moth come near, there let your heart 
 abide." 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 67 
 
 LVI 
 
 " Loins girt about, in hand your lamps aflame, 
 " As faithful servants watch your absent Lord — 
 " Ready what hour so'er their master came 
 " These, fearing stripes, attentive marked his word, 
 " So give you heed — My warnings ye have heard : 
 " Grave must My household stewards be and wise, 
 " My work casts fire, not peace but strife and sword, 
 " Dissension sore in families will rise, 
 ' From child and parent fades love's light in angry eyes ! " 
 
 LVII 
 
 " And you, ye halting people, slow to hear, 
 " But swift to mark the changing weather's sign ! 
 " Ye note the sackcloth cloud in west appear, 
 " And rightly judge rain comes o'er foamy brine. 
 " Your flushed cheeks to southward ye incline, 
 "And say, "there breathes the desert's scorching blast!' 
 " Alas ! ye fail to read the written Hne 
 " By Me declared : beware lest grace-time past, 
 '' No peace with God, your soul in prison aye be cast ! " 
 
68 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LVIII 
 
 Return again the seventy from road 
 'Gainst powers of evil, by Christ's mission, made — 
 Announce with joy success of grace bestowed, 
 E'en devils in His name were subject laid. 
 He gladly hears report, fresh courage bade 
 Them take, nor fear to dare hell's utmost spite. 
 On serpents and on scorpions safely tread 
 Yet, chiefest joy, that God their names doth write 
 In heaven's book — His babes — seemed good thus in His 
 sight. 
 
 LIX 
 
 'Twas Dedication-Feast and winter time 
 When Jesus 'mid the handsome pillars walked. 
 Which bore the royal name of Israel's prime, 
 And there with questioning crowd of cavillers talked ; 
 But all their captious malice deftly balked — 
 " Were they His life-marked sheep they would have faith, 
 " His claims as Christ and Son of God ne'er mocked, 
 " The Father and Himself were one " — He saith : 
 From threatening stones, escaped o'er Jordan, shuns He 
 death. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 6^ 
 
 LX 
 
 And here some weeks abode till tidings call 
 His prompt attendance to a sick friend's bed, 
 Lest woe the home in Bethany befall ; 
 Yet stayed He till the soul of Lazarus fled ! 
 Arrived — and touched by tears the mourners shed. 
 Though Lord of life must human jESUS weep. 
 Then, by the grave of him now four days dead, 
 Thanks God — bids ope the stone-shut cavern's deep ; 
 "G)me forth! " He, sheeted, comes ! Unhurt from death's 
 dark keep ! 
 
 LXI 
 
 The Priests and Pharisees at news perplext. 
 And fearing Christ's great fame, a council hold, 
 " Our place and nation " — say they sorely vext — 
 " The Romans take be this man's claims thus told." 
 Spake High-Priest Caiaphas — nor wist unrolled 
 A prophet's scroll — " "Tis fitting one should die, 
 " Lest perish all the people young and old." 
 From that day forth to stone or crucify 
 Is all their thought: the Christ's world-winning death 
 draws nigh. 
 
70 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXII 
 
 Then walked He no more openly 'mong Jews. 
 But city Ephraim, and Peraea seeks, 
 Awhile to tarry here He now doth choose ; 
 As was His wont to multitudes He speaks, 
 And from the suffering sick their fetters breaks. 
 One Sabbath in a Synagogue He's found, 
 And there an infirm woman straight He makes, 
 Bowed eighteen years — the ruler, chiding, frowned, 
 Loose ox or ass" — said Christ — "not she whom Satan 
 bound ! " 
 
 LXHI 
 
 Great shame on all His adversaries fell, 
 Rejoice the people much at what they see ; 
 God's kingdom's growth would He by Ukeness tell — 
 " As mustard, least of seeds, yet waxed to tree, 
 " Wherein the birds find shade and shelter free ; 
 " As leaven which a woman deep doth hide, 
 " Works on unseen through meal, e'en measures three ; 
 " As feast-hall thronged with gracious welcome wide. 
 But strait the gate — beware, thrust back, ye wail 
 outside ! " 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 7 1 
 
 LXIV 
 
 Some told Him of the Galileans slain 
 By Pilate, e'en with victims mixt their blood, 
 'Neath altar steps ; said Christ, " No worse sin's stain 
 " In them than others, nor the eighteen who stood 
 " Beneath Siloam's falling tower less good 
 " Than fellow townsmen : " yea let all repent 
 Ere doom befel, as come it surely would. 
 Three years or more seeks One His figs intent 
 But cuts at last the tree which mocks all labour spent. 
 
 LXV 
 
 Came some pretended friends with warning word, 
 " Get hence ! Lo, Herod now to kill thee fain ! " 
 Said Jesus, " Tell that treach'rous fox, your lord, 
 " To spare his threats ; My work I do amain 
 " With shortening hours, till the end he strikes in vain ; 
 " Salem's the prophets' grave : O city dear ! 
 " So loved, withal so dyed with blood's dark stain ! 
 " As hen her chicks when hawks o'er head appear, 
 'Thy sons I would have saved — now deadly ruin's near !" 
 
72 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXVI 
 
 Again on Sabbath day in wealthy house 
 He sat at meat ; a dropsied man they bring, 
 Once more He must their watchful anger rouse, 
 Yea numbed souls to life essay to sting 
 By kindly blows and wholesome chastening. 
 The sick man healed He notes the strife of place, 
 For chiefest seats men roughly hastening. 
 He bids an humbler choice with later grace — 
 The host will lowly raise, the forward proud abase. 
 
 Lxvn 
 
 He further spake, and urged the poor man's claim 
 
 To care and thought when men a supper make. 
 
 Not neighbour rich, nor those of kindred name. 
 
 Let maimed and blind their share of viands take, 
 
 Unselfish kindness grant for God's dear sake, 
 
 The recompense in Hfe beyond He'll shew. 
 
 "O! blest" — said one — "who heaven's bread shall 
 
 break ! " 
 "Nay," Christ explains, "e'en earthly host must know 
 Ungrateful guests ; 'tis thus in God's great supper too." 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 73: 
 
 LXVIII 
 
 Strange TesSron now of duty must all hear — 
 For Jesus' sake to leave all earthly love ; 
 The nearest, dearest, life itself, appear 
 As naught to him who sets his heart above. 
 Who flits o'er world's wide sea like Noah's dove. 
 Not Christ's who following doth not bear His cross. 
 Let all then count the cost as he who'd move 
 His men to build, as King well weighs the loss 
 Ere battle's furious waves his feebler squadrons toss. 
 
 LXIX 
 
 The publicans and sinners then drew nigh, 
 Nor shameth Christ with them to eat and drink ; 
 The murmuring Pharisees again raise cry 
 'Gainst One who with the vile Himself will link, 
 A Rabbi's name to such base level sink. 
 By threefold lesson then the Lord makes plain. 
 From utmost toil no loser e'er will shrink 
 To find his lost ; the shepherd seeks with pain 
 His sheep — a woman sweeps, her missing coin to gain. 
 
74 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXX 
 
 More fully still to set forth heaven's joy 
 When e'er a single sinner doth repent, 
 He frames a tale how fared a wastrel boy, 
 Who with his father's home was ill content. 
 And, asking substance, to far country went. 
 Where in unseemly riot, lust, and wine 
 His portion, with lewd friends devoured, he spent : 
 Comes famine sore, now hired to tend the swine, 
 And craving e'en their husks he's left unfed to pine. 
 
 LXXI 
 
 His madness past ; he minds his father's board, 
 Well stocked, where the humblest servant ate his fill : 
 Mayhap to him as such it will aflFord 
 His needed bread ; his name remembered still 
 If penitent he plead for some goodwill. 
 Arose he straight : seen far by watching eyes — 
 It taketh long a parent's love to kill — 
 To greet his lost, his dead, the father hies. 
 Embraced, and joyful feast — by brother grudged — supplies. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 75 
 
 LXXII 
 
 Disciples too a lesson He must teach 
 Of forethought wise for heavenly matters ta'en, 
 Tells tale of unjust steward shrewd to o'erreach 
 His lord, long plundered ; when concealment's vain, 
 And gone all hope still honesty to feign, 
 How bids he all his master's debtors write 
 False bills of oil and wheat, thus friends to gain, 
 Who to their homes might him disgraced invite, 
 Ah ! prudent worldling ! thoughtless children of the light ! 
 
 LXXHI 
 
 The Pharisees, pelf-loving, hear His word. 
 His speech 'gainst wealth and mammon's claims deride ; 
 Then let this tale of the unseen world afford 
 Some searching thoughts to swollen hearts of pride, 
 And bid them know how just will God decide. 
 First scene ! A nameless rich in purple dresst, 
 With sumptuous fare, attendants by his side, 
 At gate a beggar, Lazarus, distresst 
 With want and woe, whose leprous limbs dogs' tongues 
 caresst. 
 
76 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXXIV 
 
 The curtain falls and lifts — earth's parting scene ! 
 For clay one lived, for clay fit home is made : 
 The poor man's soul, his all, well-cared I ween, 
 By angel friends for heaven's feast arrayed. 
 Finds honoured place in Abraham's bosom laid. 
 Last ! O'er the gulf hear one 'mid burnings pent — 
 One drop from wetted finger vainly prayed — 
 Ask Lazarus to his brethren five be sent ; 
 Hear Voice ! "Not e'en for risen dead will some repent!" 
 
 LXXV 
 
 "When cometh then this kingdom Thou dost preach?" 
 Thus Pharisees, nor earnest their appeal ; 
 " No outward empire's glory do I teach," 
 Said Christ, "Its power within the heart men feel." 
 More words anon await disciples leal — 
 " Time yet will come when to these present days 
 " Remembrance shall with yearning footstep steal, 
 " When, here ! or there ! false Christs bid men to gaze, 
 "And weary thought its head on breast of jESUS lays." 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 77' 
 
 LXXVI 
 
 " Be not deceived — who dropped as silent dew 
 " On thirsty grass, while men securely dream — 
 " Who as the dawn from darkness softly grew, 
 " All unobserved till plain the morning beam — 
 " The same will come again as lightning gleam 
 " To rend the midnight sky, as spouting rain 
 " Which doth from surcharged cloud its torrent teem, 
 " But first must pass His mystery of pain, 
 ■ The Son of Man refused, by Winded man be slain." 
 
 LXXVII 
 
 " Fell sudden doom in Noah's dreadful day, 
 " They ate, they drank, they married in hot Hfe, 
 " Till sav^d few to the ark had found their way, 
 " Believing God's sure word each man and wife ; 
 " Then brake the sea and sky, with judgments rife — 
 " Heaven's sluice-bolts drawn, burst forth the swelling 
 
 deep, 
 " Soon perish all o'erwhelm'd in hopeless strife : 
 " On Sodom too, surprized, the fire-streams leap ; 
 E'en so when from the Christ the curtaining cloud-veils 
 
 sweep." 
 
78 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXXVIII 
 
 " Delay not then, enticed with worldly care, 
 " To earth and stuff of earth deny your heed, 
 " Remember her of looking back bid 'ware, 
 " And urged to flee afar with utmost speed, 
 " Lest vain regret some deadly bale should breed. 
 " O hour of sad and awful partings cleft ! 
 " Two men on bed, two women grinding seed, 
 " One sudden ta'en, one terror-struck, bereft ! " 
 " Where Lord ? " " The eagles flock where far-seen corse 
 
 is left ! " 
 
 LXXIX 
 
 A tale He spake to shew the power of prayer — 
 True prayer, long-seeking and importunate — 
 A Judge who yields nor God nor man his care. 
 Is by a widow early sought and late, 
 That He her wrongs might justly vindicate : 
 He troubled by her constant plaint gives heed ; 
 And shall not God to those who supplicate 
 Him day and night — His own elect — with speed. 
 Though long He seems to bear, grant all their vearning 
 need ! 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 79 
 
 LXXX 
 
 To some, self-righteous, who with haughty mien 
 Despised others spake He further word. 
 And frames for thought a warning temple-scene, 
 Which He who bared men's hearts had viewed and 
 
 heard — 
 A Pharisee, within whose breast ne'er stirred 
 One mournful pang for sin, gives thanks alone. 
 His soul's bright sheen was by no frailty blurred ! 
 A publican, with downcast eyes, doth own 
 His life's deep stain ; yet homeward goes, God's mercy 
 
 shown ! 
 
 LXXXI 
 
 They question Him, "might one for any cause 
 His wife cast out ? " — 'Twas but to try Him still — 
 To justify themselves claim Moses' laws ; 
 He tells them these took count of hardened will 
 And heart depraved when bade divorcement bill ; 
 At first not thus — one flesh God made of twain 
 When none should part, now joined for good or ill- 
 In life's mixt walk, glad sunshine or cold rain ; 
 But one dread sin might rend the sacred tie again. 
 
•8o THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXXXII 
 
 One day some parents filled with fond desire 
 Their little ones to Christ for blessing brought ; 
 Disciples, whom some jealous thoughts inspire, 
 Heeding His comfort, to repulse them sought. 
 He, much displeased, a needed lesson taught, 
 That none should from the haven of His breast 
 Fright little ships, with sighings of life's thought 
 E'en now disturbed, and swell of world's unrest : 
 The children then, in arms upta'en. He kindly blest. 
 
 LXXXHI 
 
 There came a youthful ruler to His feet, 
 And, -Tineehng, sought eternal life's strait door ; 
 The Lord the words of Law doth then repeat : 
 "From youth' — saith he — "these have I kept, what 
 
 more ? " 
 " Sell what thou hast" — said Christ — "and give to poor, 
 " Trust heaven's treasure, take up thy cross and come ? " 
 See love on jESUS' face ! his sorrow bore, 
 As with gold-weighted heart he wended home : 
 Ah ! steep the hill of God each sav^d rich man clomb ! 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 8 1. 
 
 LXXXIV 
 
 " Through needle's eye will laden camel pass 
 " With greater ease than rich through heaven's gate': " 
 His learners hear the word with great amaze, 
 Till Christ the Almighty's power doth demonstrate. 
 " Lo ! we O Lord ! " — saith Peter — "on Thee wait, 
 " Forsaken all, what shall we therefore hold ? " 
 " What time doth God all things regenerate 
 " Beside Me judgment-thrones ; " so Christ them told, 
 " Who soweth loss e'en here shall reap an hundredfold." 
 
 LXXXV 
 
 " Thus many first then last, and last ones first, 
 " And many called to make a chosen few " — 
 This solemn truth, more plainly still enforced 
 By parable of labourers hired to do 
 A vineyard's work, doth Christ His hearers shew : 
 What though some hired at dawn some late at eve. 
 And early workmen grudge same pay to new 
 Who, bearing not the toil and heat, receive 
 The penny wage, yet goodman's right must all beHeve. 
 
CANTO III 
 
€^e ^ong of tt)e CtinjSt 
 
 CANTO III 
 
 I 
 
 Now turn His steps from further Jordan side, 
 The circling shadow marks His nearing hour, 
 The Pastor soon His Httle flock must guide 
 Nigh fierce wolves' den while darkening tempests lower, 
 Crowd closer they His feet, and trembling cower. 
 'Twas then that James and John high places seek 
 In hoped for Kingdom, " Would He them empower 
 On right and left ? " They know not what they speak ; 
 'Tis chief like Christ to serve — yea life man's ransom 
 make. 
 
86 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 II 
 
 So reached He Jericho on upward way, 
 'Mid pressing throng He walks its shaded street 
 In leafy sycamore Zacchaeus lay, 
 Who, small of stature, here had climbed for seat, 
 The far-famed Teacher better thus to meet 
 A rich man he, 'mong publicans a chief, 
 Him Jesus marked and named, " With thee I eat, 
 " Make haste, come down ! " He, honoured past behef, 
 With much-moved heart in house salvation doth receive 
 
 III 
 
 And from the Son of Man great words doth hear. 
 How came He forth to seek and save the lost : 
 For some, who thought God's kingdom should appear 
 Immediately, Christ adds for guests and host 
 A tale of one who doth his money trust — 
 Ten pounds to servants ten — wherewith to trade. 
 While he a kingdom seeks in distant coast ; 
 Returns to praise who more or less had made. 
 One sternly chode for idle pound in napkin laid. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 87 
 
 IV 
 
 Near farther gate of town as He departs. 
 Behold two blind a begging by the road, 
 One, Bartimeus, to a friend imparts. 
 Mayhap, some cheer which Christ at entrance shewed ; 
 Now hear they sound of many feet which trode 
 The stony way ; to Son of David cry 
 For mercy, though rebuked call yet more loud. 
 Till Jesus stood and bade their presence nigh. 
 Then, sight by faith obtained, God's grace they glorify. 
 
 The Jews' Passover now was nigh at hand, 
 All roads were thronged with folk from country side, 
 The Temple filHng crowds already stand 
 And question much if jESUS still defied 
 The Council's threat — would He for feast abide ? 
 But He six days beforehand boldly came 
 To Bethany where Lazarus had died. 
 Whom many flock to see, whereof the fame 
 Widespread, the chief priests hear, and nurse their deadly 
 blame. 
 
88 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 VI 
 
 A feast within one's Simon's house was made, 
 And Martha served while Lazarus sat at meat ; 
 See Mary, by some sudden impulse stirred. 
 With alabaster cruse seek jESUS' seat. 
 Of pure and costly spikenard full, most sweet ! 
 Then broke the cruse and precious unguent poured 
 On Christ's loved head, anoints she too His feet. 
 And wipes them with her hair, while round the board, 
 Yea fiUing house itself, spread scent of lavished hoard. 
 
 VII 
 
 'Mid looks of strange amaze rose murmured plaint. 
 By Judas chief, against such wasted store, 
 "Three hundred pence" — said he — "in perfume spent!" 
 " 'Twere better fill our bag with gifts for poor — 
 His pilfered gain and spoil he thought of more — 
 " Why trouble her?" — said Christ — "she well hath done, 
 " And farther looked than ye — seen Sheol's door, 
 " For burial hath aneled — let her alone ; 
 "The poor ye always have : her deed shall aye be known." 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 89 
 
 VIII 
 
 Xow wave? of dark despair o'er judis roll, 
 F.T^lfing vain ambition's hopes in night. 
 And Satan comes to tempt his greedy soul — 
 Henceforth securely held with sev nfold might — 
 Straightway to great betrayal doth incite. 
 Same eve the wretch to rolers' cou-cil drave ; 
 " What will ye gire ? " O lucre s ctttsed spite ! 
 "■ If I assist- Him none from von can save : " 
 Just tiiirty silver pieces, price of meanest slave ! 
 
 IX 
 
 Thus far, O Lord ! mv weak aad halting verse 
 O'er hill and vale, by sea and lonelv 's-asie. 
 In temple, street, and mart. Thine earthhr course 
 With careftil heed and earnest prayer hath traced : 
 Mine eyes with fear now view Thy figure braced 
 For awfiil struggle with the powers of g^oom. 
 Let but my soul's poor anvil-house be graced 
 With presence of Thy Spirit, then to tomb 
 My thoughts dare follow Thee, and tell e'en Gdvar}- s doom ! 
 
90 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 X 
 
 The first day comes — on ass see jESUS ride ! 
 The King in truth foretold, 'mid loud acclaim ; 
 Triumphant crowds wave palms on every side, 
 " Hosanna" shout, and bless Messiah's name. 
 With clothes and branches strewn, extol His fame. 
 Yet halts He on the brow of Olives' steep 
 To view God's beauteous town in morning flame, 
 Then o'er her coming doom foreseen to weep, 
 And tell the bitter woe her blinding sin must reap. 
 
 XI 
 
 Within the Temple-courts He looks around ; 
 Alas ! with vile pollution reeks the air. 
 The hucksters' booths and change-stalls fill the ground, 
 A cattle-mart, a robbers' den was there. 
 No house of God no place of nations' prayer ! 
 He cast them out, forth seats and cages flung. 
 He suffered none to pass in thoroughfare, 
 Then taught and healed while on His hps men hung. 
 And children's voices still their sweet " Hosanna" sung. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 9 1 
 
 XII 
 
 Came Greeks to Philip, of far distant town, 
 " Sir, of thy favour would we jESUS see " — 
 He telleth Andrew, they to Christ make known, 
 Who marks approach His death-epiphany — 
 Yet wheat-corn fruits from grave's dark tyranny — 
 The Cross and lifting up and shadows near : 
 A thund'rous Voice doth awe the company — 
 The Father's ! pledged His glory to declare, 
 "Then walk while dayhght lasts. My fateful message hear!" 
 
 XIII 
 
 'Twas eve when from the noise of crowded street 
 Christ with His twelve to Bethany withdrew, 
 In open air, methinks, finds safe retreat. 
 And slept 'neath sheltering trees the night-time through; 
 Still sparkled on the grass the morning dew 
 When hungry He again the city seeks, 
 A leafy fig tree haps to meet his view, 
 Whose foliage old or early fruit bespeaks ; 
 'Twas barren ! therefore doomed as all that promise breaks. 
 
92 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XIV 
 
 Again to God's great House He straight repairs, 
 And while He walked to people gospel taught. 
 A pompous train of priests and scribes appears, 
 Who question by what power He these things wrought. 
 But first of them He answer promptly sought, 
 " John spake of Me — was he from heaven or men ? " 
 O baffled gang to coward shame thus brought, 
 'Mid all the throng your ignorance forced to feign ! 
 To such pretended teachers answer none He'll deign. 
 
 XV 
 
 But thus He asks, " Two sons, whose sire doth bid 
 " Them work his vineyard, answered Nay and Yea, 
 " The former soon by tongue of conscience chid 
 " Gave toil, the other went his heedless way : 
 " Which of these twain his father did obey .-' " 
 " The first ! " — so vilest penitents now shame 
 By earnest service all your vain display. 
 At John's loud call these once rude sinners came. 
 But you, believing not, have now the greater blame. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 93 
 
 XVI 
 
 Another parable He bids them heed 
 Of one who fits his vineyard with much care, 
 To husbandmen then letting doth proceed 
 Afar to other land, thence sends for share 
 Of fruit in season ; all who message bear 
 Time after time they shamefully entreat, 
 At length his well-beloved son, his heir 
 Is sent. Alas ! he comes his death to meet : 
 The vineyard from them ta'en none doubts their wretched 
 fate. 
 
 XVII 
 
 True stone whom men reject but God doth raise 
 To corner-head Christ speaks of ruin nigh. 
 And rebels' doom in further tale displays 
 Of marriage-feast set for his son, whereby 
 A king his throne and house would glorify. 
 All things prepared his bidden guests refuse, 
 Nor, called again, with summons will comply. 
 Some Ughtly talk, scarce troubling to excuse ; 
 The rest his servants take, and e'en to death abuse. 
 
94 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XVIII 
 
 His armies justly sent will this requite — 
 These murderers slay with fire their city waste ; 
 Meanwhile to ready board he doth invite 
 Fresh guests from highways ; bad and good they haste, 
 All duly garbed, the royal fare to taste. 
 Save one who wears not wedding-robe supplied : 
 The King's all-viewing eye him surely traced. 
 Nor is the rough discourtesy denied ; 
 " Bind hand and foot, in outer dark let him abide." 
 
 XIX 
 
 Again He finds at Bethany His rest. 
 Then early doth His course to City wend, 
 The fig tree's withered stump doth sure attest 
 A useless life surprized by sudden end ! 
 " Have faith in God," the lesson He'd commend, 
 As stand disciples awed by judgment blow, 
 " Heart-trust such might your utterance will lend, 
 " Yon mountain e'en to sea a word will throw, 
 Make prayer, forgiving all, would you forgiveness know." 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 95 
 
 XX 
 
 The Pharisees fresh counsel now devise 
 How best in speech they jESUS may ensnare, 
 Some with the Herodians shrewdly make disguise. 
 And mask of honest strife on faces wear — 
 " Wise Master, ready all for truth to dare, 
 " Shall we give Caesar tribute, yea or nay ?" 
 " Ye hypocrites ! " — their open hearts lay bare — 
 " A penny ! " " Whose this image, legend ? say." 
 'His own to Caesar give, to God His due repay." 
 
 XXI 
 
 Came Sadducees with half concealed sneer. 
 Stock argument 'gainst future life now state, 
 " There died a man whose brothers all adhere 
 " To Moses' law, with childless widow mate : ' 
 " She, seven times wed, at last dies desolate ; 
 " Whose in the resurrection shall she be ? " 
 " Ah ! know ye not God's word — so ill debate — 
 " Nor what the Hfe with Him from grossness free- 
 " Your fathers' covenant God I AM eternally ! " 
 
96 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXII 
 
 One question more the tempted Lord will solve, 
 Which scribe, not far from grace, makes bold to prove, 
 Will tell the double points round which revolve 
 God's laws, and in fixt orbit duly move — 
 " For God and man entire unselfish love ! " 
 Then He from silenced foes will last inquire. 
 Why David holds the Christ himself above — 
 His son yet " Lord ! " Strange words for royal sire ! 
 They sullen answer not, shamed now for aye retire. 
 
 XXIII 
 
 Then jESUS lifts His voice for all to hear. 
 Of scribes and Pharisees the truth will speak, 
 Their putrid lives of show and shame declare. 
 What noisome stench from whited tombs doth reek : 
 His words like rolling thunders awful break. 
 " Woe, hypocrites ! woe fools and bUnd and dead ! 
 " Ye serpents, vipers, on whom God will wreak 
 " The blood of all His righteous ones ye shed ! 
 " I would as hen have saved, from sheltering wings ye fled !" 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 97 
 
 XXIV 
 
 One gleam of sunshine glads His clouded soul 
 Ere quits He now His Father's House for aye, 
 A widow puts in treasure-trump her all — 
 Two mites — while rich their gold and silver pay : 
 And Jesus sat and marked the vain display, 
 Told how in worth she more than all had cast. 
 Who of her want her living gave that day. 
 Then went He forth, God's door now shut at last, 
 Nor knew Jerusalem her hours of light were past. 
 
 XXV 
 
 But back on yon vast pile disciples gaze. 
 One would the Master all its glory show, 
 Its snowy stone, its golden roof ablaze. 
 Its pinnacles flame-tipt in evening glow ! 
 Not pride but sadness wrapt His spirit now. 
 His thoughts to future scenes had winged their flight. 
 His shuddering soul felt shock of coming woe — 
 War's thundering engines, crumbling towers alight 
 By foeman's brand, stone pluckt from stone, then silent 
 night ! 
 
98 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXVI 
 
 O'er Kidron's brook up Olivet they wend, 
 Till on the brow the wearied Christ doth rest, 
 His dearest four around Him close attend 
 With heavy hearts and sense of ill distresst, 
 " Tell us O Master" — such their anxious quest — 
 " When these things be, what sign Thy coming's near, 
 " What prodigies the world's last end attest ? " 
 As hills o'er hills to travellers' ej'es appear 
 He shows them things to come, bids watch and pray and 
 fear. 
 
 XXVII 
 
 He tells of waiting virgins, five and five, 
 Foohsh and wise, the Bridegroom fain to greet ; 
 The wise prepared with oil ere he arrive. 
 The fools, lamps quenched, shut out in midnight street. 
 Of one who ere he journeys doth commit 
 His talents — five, two, one — to servants' care. 
 At last comes back, and guerdons just will mete ; 
 Two, faithful found. His kind "Well done" shall hear; 
 One, bringing talent idly hid, reaps dark despair. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 99 
 
 XXVIII 
 
 From awful judgment scene now lifts He veil ; 
 The Son of Man in glory sits on throne 
 'Mid angel-host, while gathering nations quail, 
 Each trembUng eye on jESUS fixt alone : 
 As shepherd sheep from goats, so He His own. 
 On right, from bad on left doth strict di\'ide. 
 And all men judge by deeds of kindness shewn 
 His brethren, poor and sick and sorrow-tried ; 
 The good surprized with crowns, the harsh in fire abide. 
 
 XXIX 
 
 While yet He speaks, below in darkening town. 
 In the high priest's court the rulers counsel take. 
 With craft to seize — so great His fame was grown 
 Thev dread the people's ^Tath in tumult break — 
 And fear to slay till gone Passover week. 
 To them perplext see traitor Judas come. 
 Again, his fell design more clear to make. 
 To close the bargain struck for paltry sum 
 Occasion pledged to find ! — so haste they jESUS' doom. 
 
100 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXX 
 
 But He on Olives' top 'neath cedar tree, 
 Their wicked purpose read, His loved ones shows 
 How after two days more the Feast must be, 
 And then the Son of Man to Passion goes. 
 O'er trees and hills the silvery moon arose 
 As Christ again to Bethany takes road. 
 And in His kind friends' house seeks calm repose : 
 Here too through next day's hours He still abode ; 
 The Teacher's work was done. He talks alone with God. 
 
 XXXI 
 
 Thus slept His last on earth the Lord awakes, 
 For Paschal Feast will now to-day prepare. 
 So Peter, sent with John, His message takes. 
 And follows one who water-pot doth bear 
 His house within, bespeaks the goodman's care 
 At even with the Twelve see Christ ascend 
 To upper room, around their simple fare 
 Rebuke unworthy strife for place, commend 
 A lowly heart, first festal cup to all extend ! 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST lOI 
 
 XXXII 
 
 'Mid wondering looks the Lord from supper rose, 
 Like menial stript, His garments laid aside. 
 Then towel-girt with waterbason goes 
 From couch to couch, so killing earthly pride 
 As washed He each one's feet then humbly dried, 
 Till Peter's hasty spirit doth rebel. 
 But, gently taught a deeper meaning, cried, 
 " Lord more than feet my hands and head as well ! " 
 " The bathed need not," said Christ, " all clean, save one I 
 teU." 
 
 XXXIII 
 
 "'Tis one that eats with Me" — He troubled spoke — 
 Each looks to each with grief and dread amaze, 
 " Lord is it I ? " at length from each one broke — 
 " Ah, woe to him who Son of Man betrays ! 
 " 'Twere well he ne'er were born," jESUS says : 
 Then, whispering low to John upon His breast, 
 Bids note the man who proffered sop doth raise, 
 " Make haste," He said aloud ; went forth possesst 
 Judas, in Satan's night— they thought to buy for feast. 
 
102 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXXIV 
 
 Relieved of darkening presence all rejoice, 
 As nature smiles when past the eclipse-shade, 
 The Lord Himself can speak with gladder voice 
 As o'er His heart bright thoughts of glory rayed, 
 And in love's light death's gloomy terrors fade : 
 Then pledge mysterious to His " children" gives. 
 Through blessed bread and wine, of grace conveyed ; 
 Faith here His Blood and Body sees and lives — 
 Rememb'ring jESUS' death His hfe's strength aye receives. 
 
 XXXV 
 
 Thus binding self and them in loving tie 
 By new command and mark of brotherhood, 
 In sweet communion hours glide swiftly by ; 
 First Simon questions word ill understood — 
 Where goeth He ? What gates should e'er exclude — 
 Or gaol's or death's — a faithful servant bold 
 To face for Master's sake a multitude ! 
 " Ah, Peter ! thrice denied ere morning's gold 
 " Shall wake the cock to crow I'll prove thine ardour cold ! " 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST IO3 
 
 XXXVI 
 
 Then bids He all believe, 'ware troubled heart, 
 With thought of them He would a place prepare 
 When to His Father's Home He should depart, 
 Its many mansions well might lodging spare. 
 No need to trained souls the way declare ! 
 " O Lord," said Thomas sad, " how can we go ? " 
 " By Me," said Christ, " men to the Father fare ; 
 " Him now ye see." Quoth PhiUp, " Only show 
 "Him us more plain." Said Christ, "In Me Him ever 
 know ! " 
 
 XXXVII 
 
 Then spake He of a Comforter to soothe 
 His children's grief bereaved and desolate. 
 The Holy Spirit fount of grace and truth. 
 Whom He should from the Father supplicate — 
 By world unknown — their souls to re-create : 
 " But, Lord ! " — said Jude — "how shew Thyself alone 
 " To us and not to world ! " Christ must repeat, 
 " 'Tis love obeys, 'tis love brings God to own 
 " By peaceful presence filled the heart thus made His 
 throne." 
 
104 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XXXVIII 
 
 Then, risen all, they sing the hymn of praise, 
 Nor emptied yet the Lord's full heart its store. 
 Still He with raptured hearers fain delays. 
 His wine of soul through Hstening ears doth pour- 
 The need of fruitful life 'mid trouble sore, 
 The Spirit's blessed work when He is gone, 
 A little while and Him they see no more, 
 But One should stay to further work begun. 
 Then with uplifted eyes makes Christ His orison. 
 
 XXXIX 
 
 Great awe falls on my soul O suffering Lord ! 
 As follows Thee my thought o'er Kidron's stream, 
 'Neath the olive trees whose shadows dark the sward. 
 While shines the full-orbed moon with chilly gleam : 
 Words few and grave Thy bloody sweat beseem : 
 Some weary forms on ground — still farther three 
 Through sorrow sleep, mayhap strange terrors dream- 
 Beyond, a kneehng Man in agony 
 Would put a cup away. This is Gethsemane ! 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 105 
 
 XL 
 
 Thrice bent in prayer, bowed to the Father's will, 
 Thrice from His own He human comfort sought, 
 Weak flesh could not their spirit's best fulfil, 
 Nor watch while tempted Christ His last strife fought — 
 Felt utter curse that world's black sin had wrought. 
 Yet now must all arise : 'tis hour of fear ! 
 The tramp of many feet His ear had caught. 
 And flashing torches 'mid the trees appear. 
 As Judas doth with motley crowd the garden near. 
 
 XLI 
 
 The signal fixed, a kiss, he hastes to give, 
 E'en thus the Son of Man will dare betray ! 
 But He, all thought now past Himself to hve. 
 Bids awe-struck throng His friends let go their way 
 Then hands on unresisting Christ they lay, 
 Who could angelic legions call with word. 
 Yet in this hour of Satan doth but pray 
 A moment's leave, kind heaUng to afford 
 A servant's ear struck off" by Peter's ill-timed sword. 
 
I06 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XLII 
 
 Betrayed, forsaken, e'en His dearest fled, 
 'Mong Roman band and priestly rabble tied, 
 See Jesus now to the high priest Annas led. 
 Who for his wealth on temple-trade relied ; 
 Here nought but felon blows His claim decide. 
 Across the court to Caiaphas He's ta'en. 
 Who still o'er midnight council doth preside ; 
 By perjured witness seek they cause in vain 
 For the hated Victim's death who answer none will deign. 
 
 XLHI 
 
 Enraged, the high priest now doth intervene. 
 From silent prisoner's mouth sure proof will seek, 
 " By the living God declare what dost Thou mean — 
 " Art Thou the Christ the Son of God? Come, speak !" 
 "I AM — On welkin throned I doom shall wreak ! " 
 '"Tis blasphemy ! " — he shouts — "ourselves have heard :" 
 Loud cries of "Death ! " from all his faction break. 
 In guard-room, to the varlets' charge transferred 
 Till dawn, see brutal spite insult earth's patient Lord ! 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST IO7 
 
 XLIV 
 
 Meanwhile in sifting hour of Christ's great woe 
 Where find His chaff-like servant's ready hand ? 
 " To prison and the grave" late pledged to go — 
 " When all forsake I by Thy side will stand." 
 Ah, Peter ! shocked by keen-eyed maid's demand, 
 As by the court-yard fire thou stoodst, to lie — 
 Then by the door — again 'mid servile band — 
 Thy part in jESUS durst with oath deny ! 
 And crows the cock, and looks the Lord, Oh ! bitter cry ! 
 
 XLV 
 
 Now flamed the fiery dawn of saddest day 
 E'er born from out the teeming womb of time. 
 When meets the larger council bent to slay. 
 And stain earth's pavement with its greatest crime. 
 The Son of God still holds His claim subUme ! 
 His Lord condemned, then Judas understood 
 The filth of soul besmirched with heUish grime. 
 Flings back the dross to priests in furious mood — 
 A bursted corse lay hanged in potter's " field of blood ! " 
 
I08 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 XLVI 
 
 To Pilate's gorgeous palace shifts the scene, 
 Gone Judah's sceptre and her sovereign sway, 
 On Zion sits the world's imperious Queen 
 Who word for life or death herself must say. 
 A clamorous crowd for hearing calls to-day. 
 As watcher from the land marks sullen roar 
 Of raging waves around some noble prey — 
 A shattered bark storm-driv'n to fatal shore, 
 The haughty Roman's eyes that human sea explore. 
 
 XLVII 
 
 But not with conscience bold and throughly clear. 
 Nay rather pricked with thought of blood and wrong, 
 Hate and contempt take colour too from fear, 
 Not his to judge in upright manhood strong. 
 When pressed the lying charge by bitter tongue — 
 " This man withholds your tribute, claims as King ! " 
 A King who doth to other world belong, 
 As Pilate knows from private questioning, 
 And finds no fault : with angry shouts the columns ring. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST IO9 
 
 XLVIII 
 
 " He stirreth all — this pest from Galilee ! " 
 " From Galilee ? to Herod then he'll go" — 
 Long heard of, glad doth cruel tetrarch see 
 The famous Man he hopes some deed will show ; 
 Not e'en one word the Captive doth bestow ! 
 Then Antipas and his will mock and jeer, 
 A briUiant robe o'er weary shoulders throw ; 
 Ah ! coward fox, the servant's head thou'lt shear, 
 'Spite priests and scribes the Master's death wilt not now 
 dare ! 
 
 XLIX 
 
 So, back to Pilate wends through crowded town 
 The noisy throng ; he vext and ill at ease. 
 And fearing riot sits on judgment throne — 
 Would fain their prisoner scourge and then release ; 
 Not this their lust for bloodshed can appease — 
 Release he may, but not this jESUS — " Loose, 
 " By paschal wont, Barabbas, would'st thou please ; " 
 " What ! robber claim — your so-called King refuse ! 
 " And He ? " — " Him crucify ! your Roman death we 
 choose." 
 
no THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 What portent strange disturbs the Judge's ear ? 
 A message from his wife in trouble sent : 
 " Have nought to do with that just man — beware ! 
 " Sad dream-time I of Him this morn have spent." 
 Too late ! nought can the awful end prevent 
 When whirUng ship in fatal pool doth lean. 
 His heart acquits his voice dooms innocent ; 
 Nor will washed hands a guilty life-stain clean : 
 His blood on us and ours!" That cry was heard I ween. 
 
 LI 
 
 Now Lord ! my shuddering heart — mixt awe and love — 
 Thy blood-marked track through shadowed vale musi 
 
 tread, 
 Not knowing-all — mayhap more clear above — 
 The weight of woe which bent Thy suffering head : 
 I stumble much if not by Spirit led. 
 How tell the scourge, reed-sceptre, thorny crown, 
 The brutal jest of soldiers, malice-bred, 
 The purple robe, the red drops trickUng down, 
 Bowed mocking knees 'fore Him whom Lord the angels own 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST III 
 
 LII 
 
 " Behold the Man ! " Such Pilate's pregnant word, 
 As once again the patient Victim stood, 
 The mark of fiercest shafts hell's gates afford, 
 And rancorous spite of all the serpent's brood ; 
 "Death's due," priests said, "as self-styled Son of God." 
 That solemn word gave Roman further pause. 
 Still o'er the brink he shivered, moved to good — 
 Vain on the pavement pleads for righteous cause, 
 " Your King ! " — " No king have we, beware of Caesar's 
 
 laws ! 
 
 LIII 
 
 See fainting walk along the dolorous way 
 The Man of Sorrows 'neath His felon's load ; 
 Yet never King on triumph's proudest day 
 In greater glory flowered highway trode ; 
 Eternal empire wins He thus from God : 
 On earth a gibing crowd. His helper one 
 Who bears with Him the cross on dusty road, 
 Some women sad — "Ah! weep your own undone" — 
 From heaven hosts raptured gaze and laud God's conquer- 
 ing Son ! 
 
112 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LIV 
 
 'Tis done ! three crosses stand without the wall, 
 Each with its burden doomed to lingering death, 
 On right and left two robbers curses call, 
 The central Man His murderers pardoneth, 
 A title tells 'tis He of Nazareth, 
 The Jews' own King. 'Twas Pilate's flout but true ! 
 And there while railers pass and scoff beneath. 
 Unclothed, as writ, known worst that hate can do. 
 The Lord at Calvary throned, all Satan's might o'erthrew 
 
 LV 
 
 And e'en in death's strong grip could win and save. 
 Could comfort nailed penitent who cries — 
 Who from this "King" doth kind remembrance crave, 
 " To-day with Me thou'lt be in Paradise." 
 Then turn to tearful group His loving eyes. 
 Behold His mother dear and faithful John ; 
 Ah ! deep in tender breast the sword now lies. 
 A mother home he'll take, she needs a son : 
 And still the dreadful hours in mortal pain wore on. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST II3 
 
 LVI 
 
 Strange darkness now gins veil the eye of day, 
 In noontide power — shrouds hearts of men as well ; 
 In weeds will nature thus herself array, 
 And with mute sign her shame and grief forth tell. 
 Around the cross three hours deep silence fell, 
 Till breaks from Saviour's lips the bitterest cry 
 That utter desolation can compel, 
 "Eloi ! My God ! art Thou no longer nigh ? 
 " Hast Thou forsaken too Thy Son lone left to die ? " 
 
 LVII 
 
 The end was very near ! " I thirst," said He ; 
 A sponge — this too was writ — in sour wine set. 
 One reached in haste for sad extremity. 
 On hyssop stalk, the dying lips to wet : 
 " Let be" said some — " Elijah may save yet, 
 " He seemed just now the prophet's aid to invoke ! " 
 'Twas come ! " 'Tis finished ! " " Father I commit 
 " Into Thy hands My spirit" — loud He spoke. 
 And bowed His anguished head: the heart of jESUS broke! 
 
114 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LVIII 
 
 Earth reeled ; the temple-veil was rent in twain, 
 Rocks burst, and many tombs were opened wide, 
 Strange tales were told of spirits seen again, 
 But, work-day done, rests well the Crucified, 
 Nor will Centurion now His claims deride. 
 The Sabbath nears, and low to western sea 
 Appalled hastes the sun his face to hide : 
 No day like this so full of mystery 
 E'er rose and set to shape for aye earth's history. 
 
 LIX 
 
 No corse, 'twas held, should taint the Sabbath gale. 
 And asked the Jews to speed the tarrying end, 
 Still suffered two, alive though spike and nail 
 Their quivering nerves long hours with torture rend, 
 A kindly stroke death's much-sought key will lend. 
 The Third, bent head on breast, hung still and wan. 
 Yet, searching life, will one a spear-point send 
 To pulseless heart — flows watery blood alone ; 
 'Twas writ, "They Pierced shall see," and "Lamb's 
 unbroken bone ! " 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST II5 
 
 LX 
 
 The Holy Frame is begged by wealthy friend, 
 Now bolder grown than erst in brighter days ; 
 With him just Nicodemus doth attend, 
 In loving care his meed of service pays. 
 And with the linen precious spices lays 
 Around the Body placed in Joseph's tomb 
 As quickly fade the last of evening's rays : 
 Bide there O Saviour in earth's virgin womb, 
 Thy resurrection-birth ere long will duly come ! 
 
 LXI 
 
 A great stone rolled, they went their saddened way. 
 Some women watching still ere glooms the night, 
 These homeward turn their steps, nor long delay — 
 But spice and ointment bruise while yet they might. 
 Then rest the weary hours of Sabbath Hght. 
 And now misgivings strange the murderers feel. 
 To Pilate word of " third day rising" cite — 
 What if His henchmen this pretend and steal 
 The Body from the grave ? " Set guards yourselves and 
 seal." 
 
Il6 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXII 
 
 . Vain watch and ward ! Unearthly forms are here, 
 Ere the world's most blessed dawn through shadows 
 
 break ; 
 Now clothed with light God's angel doth appear, 
 The trembUng rocks beneath his footsteps quake : 
 Death-struck the wardens seem, then soon betake 
 Themselves to flight — in secret tidings told 
 Of opened tomb and mighty stone rolled back. 
 Straightway the priests and elders council hold 
 And soldiers' cautious he of theft secure with gold. 
 
 LXIII 
 
 Fails thought to grasp, fails tongue to fitly tell 
 The wonders of that day from morn till eve. 
 What things ere dawn the Magdalene befell, 
 The white-clad angels she and friends perceive, 
 How Peter hears and John, and scarce believe. 
 And run to empty sepulchre — to find 
 No trace of Him for whom heart-sick they grieve. 
 Save folded cloths and napkin left behind — 
 Shoot rays of rising hope within each clouded mind. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST II7 
 
 LXIV 
 
 A woman's loving eye the first shall see, 
 As stands she near the grave, bedimmed with tears, 
 Sore vext to know where precious corse can be ; 
 To her the risen Lord Himself appears. 
 " Mary ! " " My Master ! " Love slays all her fears, 
 But must not cling, not yet doth He ascend : 
 The glorious news with flying feet she bears. 
 Some others too He meets who 'fore Him bend 
 In fond devotion rapt — these also will He send. 
 
 LXV 
 
 Sees Peter too : and now 'twas cooHng hour 
 And Cleopas and friend to Emmaus go. 
 On heart and face the darkling shadows lower, 
 And muse they much on all the tale of woe. 
 A Stranger joins, who, courteous, fain would know 
 Their sadness, hears, with words of light and fire 
 The story writ of suffiering Christ doth show — 
 At evening meal, partook by glad desire. 
 Breaks bread — is known — through unseen veil doth then 
 retire. 
 
Il8 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXVI 
 
 With burning hearts the long eight miles they speed, 
 To room where brethren ten sweet counsel took, 
 And tell and learn the Lord is risen indeed ; 
 He stood in midst while yet of Him they spoke, 
 But they, with fear of fancied spirit shook. 
 He unbelief and hardness doth upbraid, 
 At hands and feet and side then bids them look ; 
 Of broiled fish a meal in part He made. 
 And, breathing, gift of Spirit's keys to them conveyed. 
 
 LXVH 
 
 One sad man absent from the blessed band 
 With doubt hears all the wondrous Easter tale — 
 " My finger thrust through nail-print in His hand, 
 " My hand in spear wound — nought can else avail ; 
 " Men break not so death's gyves and brass-barred jail ! " 
 Passed week — and now with rest the "Twin" is met. 
 Again, door shut, stood jESUS ! — bids them, Hail, 
 With word of Peace ! — His test to Thomas set — 
 My Lord ! My God ! " With joyful tears his eyes are 
 wet. 
 
THE SONG OF THE CHRIST II9 
 
 LXVIII 
 
 Fly thoughts from narrow streets of blood-stained town 
 To verdant shore of happy northern sea ! 
 Lo ! seven tired fishers rest in breaking dawn — 
 Disciples, who again to toil agree 
 Till called — lament the night's sterility. 
 A Voice from beach bids cast and they shall find : 
 Lo ! fish, one hundred caught and fifty three — 
 "The Lord ! " — says John — his coat doth Peter bind, 
 And plunge o'erboard to swim, till he his Master joined. 
 
 LXIX 
 
 Soon others come with heavy load to shore, 
 A kindled fire they see, broiled fish and bread, 
 Their fast they silent break, their Lord adore, 
 Dare ask him nought — in awe of risen dead ! 
 Now must some shameful speeches be unsaid ; 
 The Thrice-denied thrice claims His servant's love. 
 Bids him take heed His sheep and lambs be fed, 
 His faith to age death's girding thongs shall prove — 
 John, waiting long his Lord, might see ere met above ! 
 
120 THE SONG OF THE CHRIST 
 
 LXX 
 
 Still in dear Galilee on certain mount 
 The Apostles, as He fixt, doth jESUS meet, 
 Five hundred brethren too they now can count, 
 Who long the wondrous scene will glad repeat, 
 The substance tell of all that converse sweet — 
 How spake He of His power in heaven and earth, 
 How wide should range His servants' busy feet. 
 In Triune Name baptize for life's new birth, 
 Nor, till the world's end, of grace find stint or dearth. 
 
 LXXI 
 
 So passed forty days, at times in speech 
 Of deepest truths the growing Church should know. 
 Of things which far to Heaven's confines reach, 
 Of promised Gift God's grace would soon bestow : 
 Himself to James, then others, Christ doth show. 
 Near Bethany came end ! While yet He blest 
 He from His loved ones' sight doth cloudward go ; 
 But sure return doth angel-voice attest — 
 Till ripes His coming day at God's right hand He'll rest. 
 
 "EVEN SO COME LORD JESUS."