Copyright N?_ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. HE WHO WON THE WORLD A POEM OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY CHRIST BY EDWARD PAYSON POWELL Author of "Our Heredity from Gfod," "How to Make a Home in the Country," "The Country Home," "Orchard and Fruit Garden," "History of Nullification and Secession," etc. BOSTON SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 1914 PS 14 Copyrig: KT, 1914 Sherman Fren en &> Company SEP 1 11914 } // ©CI.A380285 t 4>' THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED LOVINGLY TO JESUS WHOSE MESSAGE WAS PEACE WHOSE GOSPEL WAS LOVE PREFACE Dost thou know a song, more beautiful than any other, That men and angels, loving well, may sing to- gether ? Let us gladly turn aside from meaner themes this day That we may sing this song of love that saves alway. It is the song of Jesus, the most glorious God-son; The brother, beautiful and good, who hath our souls won; Who unto us was born the power of hate to sever, And bring the law of love to rule the world for- ever. THE ANNUNCIATION Daughter of Bethlehem! more fair than the lilies that bloom And weave their fair garments in gold without labor of loom, Thou shalt bear for the world a sweet blossom of love, so divine That the ages shall gratefully sing his rich graces, and thine. Yea, thou shalt be held as the Mother of God when are dead All the gods save him whose life for the dying is shed. But he by dying shall live, and in the sweet lives of men Shall rise from the darkness of death to life eternal again, For over the gates of Heaven is written in letters of gold " Let him that forever would live, the feeble with love uphold; And he that never would die, let him his life give each day, Denying the seeking of self and the thoughts that destroy alway." Mary to Elizabeth Now must we mothers save this our fair world, Endowing fruit of ours with power from God. Cousin, once more the angel presence stood Before me on the threshold as I went forth To greet my Joseph; and he shone me through E'en as the morning sun shines through yon wood When all the rays are level and the light Fills full the shady slopes. His lips moved mute, As I have seen the lips of Joseph's shadow Thrown on the hillside. For voice, mine he took; And I was full of words that music made Of joy — like harps in Hermon's Vale of Springs, That breathe delight while sainted Deborah sings. Elizabeth to Mary Mary, 'tis well! I do not doubt your words, But I have not beheld the Lord as thou! My love is his alone — my lord ! my spouse ! Beautiful his feet; more fair his brow; Love sleeps between his arms, with Strength and Truth — I am most blessed that I may sleep with Love. %)e aatfao Ulon tfte ftfflotio 3 I oft have kissed where his sandals pressed The doorstep and the yielding sand and flow- ers ; And tears went down to fill my kisses print Lest they pass too soon. For him I live; my worth To bear such men to beautify the earth. Mary to Elizabeth 'Tis well ! But love of God is greater love Than that of men ; for us it now becomes, With chastened souls and free of ev'ry thought That stains, to give the weary world its lords ; Yea! from our lives, our hearts, our wombs to yield No fruit but love, and love to truth annealed. Wise Men Sing Where shall we find the star-lit soul? Who knows ? Who says all nature feels not human woes, Nor thrills with one wide joy o'er great souls born ? All stars, all souls do but contain the One. O'er ox-stall, trembling stands God's light! In birth I' the manger shines the Star of this fair earth. 4 %)e TOO Wion tfte ftQotlD MOTHERS' SONG From wombs of mothers Come the Messiahs ; From souls of mothers, Prince or pariahs. To us the world belongs ; From us it rose; Nothing shall ever be But through us flows. Angels Sing He comes ! The Christ has come ! Now God and man do meet ! The choirs of earth and heaven unite this day to greet! Glory to God in the highest! Glory, love, and praise ! On earth be peace! To men, good will and joyous days! Shepherds Sing Dost thou hear the music playing What the skies and earth are saying? Mystic measure ever floating, Peace and pleasure now denoting ; Now the stronger chord of trust In the coming of the Just fyz Wibo ftOon m ft&orio Blending all at last in love ! — Dost thou hear this from above? Airy voices filling space ; Nowhere canst the music trace ; — Where thou thinkest now 'tis found, Swift, eluding measured bound; Filling, floating, sweetly blended ; By the fleecy clouds attended; With the moonbeams gently sifted ; There the clouds and song are lifted. 'Gainst all mountains cedar-crowned Breaketh soft the secret sound; Over vales where rosebuds, oping, Wake the bees to honeyed hoping; Every home it soft caresseth ; Round all things forever presseth. — Whence and whither no one knoweth ; Like a summer wind that bloweth. Was there ever music sweeter, Giving mortal joy completer? Like a cradle song that wrappeth Soft a blessed babe that nappeth. So around the sleeping world At this midnight hour unfurled! 'Tis the song of Christus' birth, Singing round the sleeping earth. Elizabeth to Mahy Mary, hast seen our boys? Nature did err In making two when both were better one. Yet now the twain are one. Where Jesus is There John is found; no others do they seek. Their love's like that which women give — but strong. Jesus, unflinching, for the lame dog gave His arms, and bore him from the pitiless crew John cried, " For shame ! For shame ! " and brave words threw So hot that all the rogues did melt away, Leaving our lads the victors of the day. How equal are they in their sweetness, grace, While purest manhood shines on either face! Jesus to the Rabbis I am no Rabbi, but a mere lad, Unformed as yet, and ever glad To sit at wise men's feet, hear speech From lips shaped by high desire Unto God's altars where the fire Of hope does kindle and thence reach To other souls, and there will breed From soft, sweet word to kingly deed. But I do feel a something stirs My soul that cometh not, great sirs, I£e Wbo GBon tfte ffilorlD From this assemblage. Night and day A Voice, lipless, doth speak ; and I turn To see from whence, and why I burn With joy and such sweet love alway; Then to the temple where men pray, Still hoping Him to find, the Voice. Ye men of vision who rejoice In all right knowledge, tell me why I see not whom is ever nigh ? THE RABBIS AND JESUS Then did Gamaliel bend his ear, And wonder at the sweet lad's tear ; And Hillel placed his hand above The boy's broad brow with soothing love Until the pain did somewhat leave The great eyes and the cheeks aglow, And through the swollen veins did flow The streams of life with less of grieve. Then James, loving — whom all men said Had one time seen great Yahwe — led Blind Simeon near. And he with joy Drew close between his knees the boy, Until his white-veiled beard fell down Around the curls of red and brown. Then : " With mine eyes that see not men,' He said, " I see the Lord again. It is the same sweet vision lent 8 ^e ffiJfto MJon tfte ffilorlD One night unto my vigil spent In prayer." But to the boy he said " Know this, there is no holy shrine, No temple, like this soul of thine Wilt thou by God alone be led." JESUS' BROTHER CALLS James Here are the enthusiasts, enwrapt in clouds, inspired — - With dreaming have forgot their bellies. Faugh ! I'm tired Of plotters who the world will never let alone To go, as it has gone, to the devil; tossing a bone Of prayer, mumbleby, jumbleby, to God in the sky, Cheap as dirt, over and over, pardon to buy. Ho, planners of all good ! here now your bodies are, But where your heads? In Yahwe's sacred temple far? On Himla's heights? Or in the golden porch dost pray H)e Mlijo Mlon tfte MJorlO 9 Of some air temple whose foundations all men lay And yet will lay these thousand years, ere any spar Or arch shall climb to meet where gods and angels are? Look you, Jesus ! Now your father has a house to raise ; The timbers of live oak lie pinned these seven days, Waiting your shoulders to bear themselves with equal grace Beside your brothers, while we shove the beams in place. Jesus to James Full well I know I must about my Father's work ! And look ye, James, I have no will my load to shirk. Jesus to John I feel a stirring that I do not understand — A voice within, around, as some divine com- mand. io fyt Who M3cm tfae motID At night I'm plucked at in my sleep, but when I wake No one is nigh ; and when I walk beside the lake Alone, or in the garden, oft I turn to see Who is it calleth, following ever after me. John to Jesus Dear Cousin! I have felt the same propelling Will. It is the Past, the mighty Past, that now doth fill Your soul and mine — yea, all men's lives who know it not And yet obey. For who hath striving cast his lot? Is not each one the Past, compelled to do or be What drift of ancient heritage decree? Jesus to John My John, I cannot look toward the setting sun And count the gliding years that through the hourglass run. I ever turn my face to where new dawns ap- pear; With knowledge growing, alway man to God draws near. In yonder sky behold the rhyme of law obeyed! fyt Wlbo Wion tfte E&otID 11 No star e'er swerves its course, nor sun nor moon hath strayed One line from rectitude ; so, think I, shall the dawn Sometime of men arise, that when it sets awest, O'er earth the will of God shall every soul at- test, While to sweet arts of peace will all the world be drawn. Dear God ! Sweet Love ! I have no heart but to obey. Thy kingdom come! Thy will be done! alone I pray. My heart so frames it that in dreams my lips move on, And all my days this one sweet thrall is worked upon. Come thou through me dear age of human brotherhood, And thou most glorious reign of God's rich Fatherhood ! Let us to Hillel, John. No longer I can bear This plucking at my soul that would its gar- ment tear To get a wider look, free from the flesh and dust. I must be born again ; take up diviner trust. 12 J£e Wibo Wion tfte MJorlD JOSIAH, GAMALIEL, HILLEL, AND JESUS HiLLEL That is the son of Mary and of Joseph ; note What grace ! What boyish beaut}' ! Each movement doth denote A body that obeys the soul! The Greeks in all their schools Have no such models chiselled by Apelles' rules. Gamaliel Hillel, the brute age dieth ; the soul doth take command ; And love and loving truth shall reign in every land. Josiah I could die, yea, gladly give my very soul, I feel, Could I by death the wounds of sin forever heal. Gamaliel He comes who doth enfold salvation in his love; And to the lowest stooping, lift all sin above. Hillel How great the task ! How full of God must be that soul! Else will he fail ere yet he touch for us the goal. Ipe a&ljo M3cm tfte M3otID 13 Gamaliel Yea, he and God must be one life, one law, one will; The Son of God, the Son of Man, at-one-ment fill. Jesus Ye counselors divine, your flawless words I hear, The great commission bear without or pride or fear. Gamaliel And for that truth the world shall kill thee. O my son ! Yet by that death at last the world thou shalt have won. Jesus Now do I lay my hand in God's right hand and give My soul to follow, be the end to die or live. Angels Sing Out of the brute man arose; What he may be, who knows? Ever he has been star led ; His eyes now in his forehead. God he hath named, and hath seen The Eternal in the changing sheen. He hath found out the Father; What more can he do, or farther? PARTING OF JESUS AND JOHN Jesus This, this, I feel : I know not all, I see but this — I must. Yea, will I servant of all servants be for God's own trust, Beneath them all to bend, to bear them gladly on my heart; The poor man's need my gospel be; to comfort all my art. So, John, I will not backward look; 'tis only this I know — That I must lead the way where all the weary ones may go; Leal ever to the truth and fearing not — yea, scorning shame — I will henceforth among all men forget but Yahwe's name. John And I, I, John, a voice will be, a cry, a word, Calling i' wilderness, * Prepare thou for thy Lord.' Jesus Farewell, my own sweet John ! John O Jesus, fare thee well ! I could not leave thee in kingly palaces to dwell. This dress I doff; take thou it, woven seamless, whole ; Wear it till in thy lot thy work be woven whole. Henceforth I will the skins of beasts wrap round my thighs ; On locusts fare, and honey wild, when hunger cries ; So will I clarify my soul thrice clear with prayer In yonder wilderness, till God shall meet me there. Jesus And I, ah, John ! know not to grieve or to re- joice, For evermore I hear and must obey the Voice. Not to ascetic life it calls ; but where the street Is crowded full of life, and pain and sin do meet, There must I conquer sin until my hour draws nigh; And then, ah then, bereft of God perchance, must die. It is not I that speak ; I know not what I speak. My soul is strong in God, but all my flesh is weak! O dear, my cousin ! John ! Embrace me once again ! Close fold me to thy heart. Dear God! we be but men Weak ! weak ! i6 %>g g&fto caon m caotip Voice Thou art my son! Jesus Yea, Lord, thy Son to be, I to myself must die, and live henceforth to Thee. Once more farewell, my brother, half my soul! But, stay ! I cannot spare thee yet, yet more must not delay ! Now go ! And when my strength has come, baptized of fire, Thee will I seek, and Jordan's holy wave re- quire. And yet I cannot turn — this path alone to tread ! Father, grant that we may walk together, led As one, that both may stand where one alone would slip. Grant that this cup of lonely toil pass from my lip. John 1 tear myself away, my Jesus! one more kiss! Nor longer must our duty wrestle love's fond bliss. Jesus 'Tis done ! He goes ! Can angel form be fair as thine, My John? By this sad parting evermore be mine. JESUS ALONE Jesus Now must I know myself — am tossed about — Of work and power and will am left in doubt. I will awhile in some deserted place Forget this body, seek God's helping grace ; With chastened soul meet full the tempter's power And gird myself to meet my trial hour. JESUS ON THE MOUNT Seven hills there are that raise their barren selves Above the desert place where Jesus went ; Their sides are rugg'd with stones and ancient kilns. But one stands high above the clouds that rain ; There Jesus clomb, and from its top looked down. The sun, that paled upon the plain below, Thrust out its rays to flame the upper hills, And folded round the man, and touched the mist That rolled in fire. His raiment white as snow ! His face shone back to meet the sun ! Alone He stood and prayed. God met him on the Mount. THE TEMPTATION " This earth," the Tempter said, " is thine. Look thou abroad Far as the eye that dwells within the soul can see; Give but thyself to lust of power; let thy great soul Deny its servitude to God ! " "Nay! Nay! "he cried! Then turning to the tempting fiend, he angry spoke : " Get thee behind me, Satan." Flashed upon his brow The sun like crown of gold irradiant round and round. I£e t&fto ffilon tfte ffiiorlO 19 He was the Christ at last — knew well himself. To rest And glorious end came all the strugglings of his breast. Some men there are who tell that when the sun was gone And starless night had curtained close about the world, Still shone a light as if a sun upon the Mount. So from that day the artist paints Christ's brow with rays, And all who know the victory of that hour give praise. Mother of Martha and Mary Come, children; the broth is on the board. Where art thou? The kid grows cold. Our hoard Is none too great ; to waste the smell Were sin, could that your hunger quell. Where are the elfs? Mary Mother, I did spy Them crowd a stranger passing by A strange fair face, like early dawn When with gold it fills the valley lawn, And all earth's fairest things leap out To shape. So did the children shout, And each sweet thing came quickly forth To view this wondrous dawn, this youth. But I did bid them come, and they To all my summons answered nay. His arms full, they did tide about ; Fill love full ; strangle boyish shout ; Did, clinging, strive to touch his sleeve ; Nor one would ask his gracious leave. Forgetting self, the bold grew meek; The rough more gentle; lifted the weak; Helped the lame Thomas to his knee. My eyes rained as I did see This miracle. To myself there came A sweet new life that like a flame Eats up my older self. I pray, Mother, thou'lt come, and then straightway The kid thou wilt forget and first To behold this One forever thirst. Mother Mary, thou'rt ever prone to forget This earth from labor hath no let. Martha I'll send, and she shall bring These lads perforce to mine obeying. Jl)e ffiBfjo KBon tfte ffilorlO 21 JESUS TEACHES The smell of spring 'gan lay in the dew of the soft'ning lawn ; Through the sods came up the red tulip to blush with the blushing dawn. The farmers, with hands full of seed, went sow- ing the southern slopes, And their souls were gladdening with sheaves of unharvested hopes. Up rose together the songs of lark and of men to the skies ; While the world did grief forget, and death, and all miseries. Then did the Teacher teach from the book that is opened wide Over the valleys sweet-smelling and over the mountain side ; And ever the lesson was one of faith in Him who fills The vales with His wheat and pulse, and covers with barley the hills ; Who cares for the evil as well as the good, and let's run o'er His bounty to feed the sparrow that sings from door to door. " Not Solomon," he said, " in glory was ar- rayed Like these lilies white that blush beneath the olive's shade, Or like the grass that blooms beside the camel's track ; They labor not, nor spin, yet do they nothing lack. If God so clothe the grass, which is to-day a- field, Much more His love supply for all your want will yield. " Strive not, therefore, for things that in the use will fail, But place your minds upon the right that shall prevail. Vex not to-morrow for an emptying purse or bin, But delay ye not to store your treasures heaven within. Know this — the first great truth — the world is God's, and ye The children are of Him who fills infinity. " For who among ye all, if his son shall ask for bread, Will turn aside unheeding or toss a stone in- stead? g>e ffllfto ffilon tfte KlotiO 23 Much more believe that He, your Father in the sky, Will heed your faintest whispers and grant you full supply. But ware the empty soul; by fruit shall ye be known — Are grapes upon the thorns, or figs on thistles grown ? " JESUS CALLS DISCIPLES John stood most tall and beautiful. His face Shone tenderest with love ; each motion grace — Unconscious selfhood bending to the weak, Yet leaned himself upon the strong; was meek, And most of all like Jesus — twinned were they ; In will most resolute, yet had no mood To sway another's will save for his good. O glorious fate, thus tuned for love or fray ! A flawless frame; a hand of manly might; A heart to guide his hand to flawless right ! His brother James, of equal brawn, owned less Of beauteous grace, showed less of tenderness, Yet was a poet — saw all things afresh ; Cared least for traditions and the mesh They weave of creeds ; went straight to truths ; did spurn 24 i£e S&fto 22icm tfte EBorlD Delay of generous deed from law to learn The righteous plan. His liberty was law ; Law liberty. No one more quickly saw A place for blows ; yet first the twelve among To curb his will, put bridle on his tongue. To Andrew were confided those affairs That linked the Twelve to carnal needs and cares, While Judas held in charge the narrow store Collected to relieve the wayside poor. These two were Jews, born merchants, and they saw The world as traders' see — to buy and sell Without deceit did cover all their law; Were thrifty, loving gold and silver well; Waste they abhorred ; were men of honest heart Such as the temples lean upon, and mart. Half like to John was Simon, Andrew half. Among the Twelve he was the oaken staff On whom all leaned. While John to Jesus turned, To Peter Jesus — building on his strength Where all his future church should rest at length. You should have seen him as he, walking, spurned All hindrances ; the pliant earth did dent With foot to sturdy purpose firmly lent. So with his tongue — ever he strode to front ; Quick to defy, defend, and bear the brunt. But Thomas bore the restless mind and eye That looked to left and right as to espy The hidden. E'en his mouth stood shaped to doubt ; His ear was quick to listen, while his tongue Quick questioned, and his head slow wagged among Believers, while his brain oft put to rout Great argument. Upon his broad full face Oft Jesus, looking, smiled. Devoid of grace, Alike devoid of dreams, he held it due To honest faith to doubt what's hid from view. It was a glorious sight, this chosen Twelve, Sent forth to hew old faiths with stalwart helve ; Turn upside down the world's philosophies ; Change swords to peaceful plowshares ; flight the ease Of lazy priests ; set formality on fire ; Themselves inspired, all nations to inspire. All men select — the very pith of those Who, following out of Galilee, Christ chose To be his seventy. Now shall we see How each failed not in glorious loyalty. 26 !£>e Wibo ffiiott tfte morlO JESUS CHARGES HIS DISCIPLES The charge was this : " Go ye and preach my word; Give to all men what, heeding, ye have heard. Despise not one — nor rich nor poor ; give ye As it is given, without the hireling's fee. I send you forth as sheep 'mong wolves; be meek; Mine own throughout all lands I bid ye seek. Fear not the threats of those who cannot kill The soul. Fear God alone. Through good and ill I will be with you. Who would save his life Must give it, shunning not the honest strife." World Voices Sow seed on the waters ; adown the stream It shall bear thee a harvest far distant in years ; And there shalt thou garner, and many shall glean, Beyond tide of thy cares and flood of thy tears. Smiles in wheat-fields and vineyards and fruit, On the banks of the future, the seed of to-day ; Fore-gathering harvests that ripen in age, By faith shalt thou reap from years far away. ^e £2Jf)o ffllon tfte MioriD 27 Jesus To ZzVr, that is the problem ; nor forsake One thought that God has loaned thy soul to make Its future self. I come your lives to save ; To make them broader, larger, stronger, brave; To teach salvation from destroying sin ; From selfish purposes your souls to win. Live ye in others' hopes ; their wishes heed ; To lift the weaker; cheer the hapless need; Befriend the lonely, and the sinner aid To see more widely and his doom evade. Hate none, nor scorn the meaner caste ; Know that with God the first may yet be last. So, ever sending all your sympathies abroad, Your life shall widen to the life of God. Then shall ye be His children and shall say — And feel the truth — ' Our Father,' when ye pray. THE BEATITUDES Now listen to the eightfold path that doth up- ward climb To leave the sensual life and reach the life sub- lime, 28 !£e ffllfto Wion tfte (KBorlD For true the elder sages were who called the way Eightfold that leads the soul to everlasting day. Believe me that the first step upward is to know That thou art poor in soul, and ignorant, for so Thou shalt despise not learning — being over- wise — For such as learn shall hold the kingdom of the skies. Next know that, wouldst thou still ascend the height, The second step is grief, but tarry not till night With sad remorse — he mounteth best who swift- est turns From evil, hates the past, and new temptation spurns. Next they who, with the truth sincere, God's love do seek, Are teachable like children, ever patient, meek, Thrice blessed shall be; for theirs is all the earth contains And erstwhile length of days to added truth their gains. l^e ftO&o COon tfte ffiloriti 29 This won, the next step like the former is — but glad The soul now leapeth — seeking all that may be had Of honor, virtue, wisdom, and God's righteous- ness. Each step adds joy; right onward will the soul now press. But he that, being filled, would on the eight- fold way Sit down discussing heaven, or turn aside to pray, The sinner's doom rehearse, his own elected grace, Forgetting love to many, still faileth in the race. The sixth step is for those whose hearts are purified, To whom the world is fair and good; and far and wide They see all things as God's sweet face, nor ill can see, As others all things vile, whatever they may be. Now doth the eightfold path appear a grievous toil! Peace is the seventh step — forgetting strifes' turmoil, 30 g)e gatjo Man the ftfflorlD The clash of creed contention, and the baneful pride That often friend from friend and kirk from kirk divide. The last, sublimest step is this — no more re- mains : Bear thou the scoffer's sneer; endure for truth the pains; Fear not the sword; unflinching stand for right ; — Though thou shouldst die, thou still hast won the fight. HIS DISCIPLES ASK A PRAYER Disciples Master, wilt thou not teach us how to pray? John's followers bend the knee three times a day; And thou dost know the Pharisee and priest Seven times twixt suns bow rev'rent to the east, Nor hold they him to be a man of God Who lays not oft his forehead to the sod. Teach us that prayer that most shall pardon win, And spoken swiftest, free the soul from sin. I£)e TOo Cfflon tfje g&otlfl 31 Jesus Prayers cannot save; words have no cleansing power Though thou shouldst tell them skyward every hour. They most do pray who most their sins eschew, Nor hope by forms their lives to hide from view. Thou canst not batter down the law 'gainst wrong By crying, ' Lord ! Good Lord ! ' however long. Ware those who stand within the temple's fane And make loud prayer in hope high heaven to gain. When to the Father thou wouldst speak — yea must, Thy spirit burdened — go with childlike trust ; Dare not with role of words to din the street; Within the soul's closed chambers learn to meet Him who in darkness sees, in silence heeds, Above the priest's proud prayers, the harlot's needs. THE PRAYER Our Father who dost dwell in all the heaven above, Rule us, Thy creatures frail, by all-controlling love; 32 ^e Too agon tfte (K3otID Thy name we hallow, whatsoever each may call, When upward-looking, cries he to the Lord of All. Thy will be done through all the bounds of life and light, As every star obeys Thee in the realms of night. Give us, Kind Parent, day by day our needed bread, But more to see Thyself that thus our souls be fed. Forgive our selfish greed, our unforgiveness, Lord, As we to tolerance turn and equal rights accord. The trial of our faith adjust with tenderest care, And save us when we fall within a tempter's snare. So pray; but know that he who scorns his brother's cry Nor notes the meanest call for human sympathy, In vain will seek to win from God what he de- nies To man — unheard his grievous pleadings and his sighs. Now wouldst thou know the secret of success? 'Tis here: 'Tis faith in God, to tread His footsteps with- out fear; H)t MJJjo Won tfte GHorlD 33 'Tis faith in that propelling mighty Will that leads Through all events, all times, all hapless, cheer- less deeds. All moments are the heartbeats of Eternal Life; All centuries, incompleted purposes at strife. Believe with all thy might in God, His love, His will; That all things shall be right to those who would fulfil The right. Plant firm thy feet where duty points the way ; And, upward-lookers, wait thou for the breaking day. When all the web is woven, all the figure writ ; Then shalt thou know why patiently the weavers sit. Axgels Sing Who hath an ear the song to hear, Of morning stars around earth's sphere Will learn no new refrain to guide The golden orbs that ever glide. Jesus to His Disciples Ye are the eye of the world, and the world shall learn by thee The love and the loving life of the Father Eter- nal to see. Seek the lost to save throughout all lands, and the world that is wide; Nor sect shalt thou know, nor for race nor for kin shalt thou divide. Ye are the light of the world. Teach the gospel of love that is new ; And the gospel of hate and of force that is brute ye shall eschew. I bid ye as one to be, as I with the Father am one; And so by thy labor at last shall the world in triumph be won. Ye are the salt of the earth; and that which else would die Shall be lift by thy words from death to immor- tality. But if salt its savor shall lose, how worse than death itself Shall be the lot of the savior that fails to save himself. l£>e Ulbo Uion tfte JKJorlD 35 THE DISCIPLES ASK A VISION OF GOD Disciples The Father show! Then will we be Contented, Lord, to follow thee. But now we've searched both earth and air, Called long and loud with honest prayer, Nor face have seen, nor voice replies To ease the grievance of our cries. More kind, the earth upon its breast Like any mother giveth rest ; The sun bestows a radiant love; The stars look kindness from above. Now would we, Lord, the Father see As plainly as yon tamrisk tree. Jesus Me, Philip, thou hast seen — hast walked I' fields, of corn and lilies talked. Believe me, I am in the Father And He in me ; seek thou no farther. God is a spirit, and must be So worshipped ; not as stone or tree. Since in these feet, these eyes, this hand, I am not seen, does doubt then stand That I am here? Dost fail to love? Nay, John, my throbbing heart above, Lies warm thy head; nor do I fear That thou wilt question I am here. JESUS TEACHES THE DISCIPLES Jesus All things are pure, thyself at first being pure ; So sin shall cease, death die, and peace bear fruit. All things take on the texture of the soul — At last the whole is well or all is ill. So all things are to Him, the Eternal Mind — Who sees no parts but one great whole, him- self— All things as truth — no failures and no wrong. Who one with God becomes, seeing good — And good alone — none can his soul destroy ; But he whose vision sees the ill, the false, The foul, the base, becomes himself the false. Death works no miracle to break the power of sin. Here lieth safety. Who wills against the light Is lost ; he saved who holds the eternal right. Angels Sing This world is but a single star. And all the worlds united are. One law of love doth ever run From sun through each remotest sun. fyz TOo ft&on tfre morlD 37 JESUS TEACHES THE DISCIPLES Jesus To all that darkness love shall come the Light, The truth shall dissipate their well-loved night ; Out come all sin ; all wrong at large be writ Upon the brow, the deeds, the will. F the pit Of his own conscience falls he who makes a lie. The fire that the soul kindleth shall never die. The moon looks down on Tophet! The bones lie white, Piled high in pitiless mounds that wolves af- fright. 'Tis the Vale of Death where, tho' the tempest rage — Pour Heaven's great tears man's sorrows to assuage — Yet are the fires not quenched. Bones cling to bones, And fusing, confused, do lift themselves in cones. So death doth live ! This is the life of death, The heaving of breasts wherein there is no breath. The worm dieth not from out this grievous Hell ; In eyeless sockets makes his monkish cell, Or tunnels crumbling death in tortuous way, While clay o'er clay doth hold eternal sway. Such is the soul where burns a Tophet fire — Forever dying, yet cannot expire. JESUS MEETS THE SCRIBES He and his Twelve amid the ripening wheat- fields w r alked Of a Sabbath mora, and of the red-lipped lilies talked — How, spinning not, they did so much of glory gain, Trusting in Him alone who sends the sun and rain. And all did pluck the bearded kernels as they went, Then, blowing chaff, were still upon his words intent. Their fast they broke, not heeding that they broke the day Till certain scribes came scowling down the hill- side way. These, as they met, cried out in wrath : " Hast thou forgot The law that Moses gave for rest; or carest not?" But Jesus turned himself about and said : " Not law Nor God's great love do these men know, but teeth and claw — The husk that claims a tooth for tooth, an eye for eye ; i£e TOo fflJon tfte KtJorlD 39 That saves the letter writ, but leaves the soul to die; Believes that God can tamper with eternal good ; Be satisfied with incense i' lack of rectitude. Do thou the right, unfletched thine honor ; truth obey; And know that God requires of us no idle day. My father worketh hitherto all days in seven, Nor gives the sun or stars a shortened route in heaven." Once more he turned and said : " Being lawyers, know that law Was writ ere Moses, praying, ten commandments saw — The one great law of Love that all laws doth em- brace ; Eternal ere the worlds and heavens had found their place, Ere days were made, or years, or man, or great or least, That might be haggled o'er by prophet or by priest. All weeks are fronted as they go with hours of rest To give to six days' honest toil an added zest. 'Tis work, not idleness, that holds God's praise. All days were made for man, not man was made for days. Angels Sing The Holy Writ, the Word of God, Is printed in both soul and sod. 'Tis but the love of law men need That they may all its statutes read. Nicodemus Master of Truth, of God born, Love incarnate ! These are no crumbs fallen from tradition's plate, But bread of life that, in the dying soul Eaten, doth wake new birth, making sad hearts whole. Here have I sat in judge's seat these many years, Weighed law divine in scales 'gainst hopes and fears ; Have heard from God no whisper ; heeded books ; Judging for the Eternal by lawyer's crooks. But now I know that thou dost learn thy law Of Him who sees in righteousness a flaw. Teach me the words of wisdom that I may In truth be called Judea's Light alway. Jesus Hear, Nicodemus : God's first truth is this — Thou canst not see the light, though plain it is As yonder star that tips the western hill, fyz mbo Won tfte OlotID 4i Nor hear His voice that all the world doth fill, Till thou art born anew. Nicodemus What sayest thou — Can man a second time be born? and how? Reenter whence he came his mother's womb, And so reborn escape the gaping tomb? Jesus Most truly say I, subtle art will fail To give thee wisdom, nor will aught avail Until thyself art changed and from above Of God born ; loving truth, thyself art love. Then shalt thou seeing, see, and hearing, hear; And judge in holiness as God is near; Thyself a mirror, giving forth His light As in yon lake each star repeats this night. Nicodemus I know not what thou sayest ; can it be That I am yet unborn ? I came to thee To give me law, but thou hast taken away E'en that I brought, myself ! Yet here I stay ! I would that I may have such power as thine, And God with wisdom in my sayings shine. Jesus Would temple roof beseech the sun to illume Its rusty dome, and thus to shine assume? 42 ^>e mbo £2ion tfte MlorlD Or, burnished fair, would need no prayer to win The sun's great love to dwell its depths within? Thyself aright, pure, free from selfishness, God lives already in thy words to bless. MESSENGERS COME FROM JOHN Messengers We come from John, who sends thee cousin's greet And prays ye soon, as in the old, may meet. No whit of boyhood's love he doth abate For one who in all sports he held as mate, To whom in riper years of youth he gave Each thought, each hope, each purpose, gay or grave. Now would he know if, having heard the call, Thyself being tested — stood with God, faced all — Thou art the One hoped for, needed to mend The world. Canst dare the fight unto the end — Bow not to Moloch, riches, flesh, or power — Until shall come in death thy conquering hour? Canst gather all, unto the uttermost, Their souls baptising with the Holy Ghost ? Jesus Go now, tell John what ye have heard and seen : From old-time hidden truth I lift the screen : Oe ffllfto MJon tfte ffllorlD 43 My gospel preach I to the poor, and free The wisdom that the schools hold privily. I came to save the sinner, not the saint ; To rescue sufferers, whatsoe'er the taint. Tell John I heal the sick ; the outcast lift ; With love the veil 'twixt God and man have rift, To market bring the gems of human wit — Salvation, Rabbis hid in sacred writ, Upon the housetop speak I — nought have said In secret — God's sweet truth to children fed. So am I son of man, and in such wise Am son of Him, our Father in the skies. No other warrant bear I but the word, The love, the work, the truth that ye have heard. Tell John the love I gave to him of old I give to all the world, nor aught withhold. JOHN IS MURDERED BY HEROD Jesus my John, thou beautiful brother! In all the world I have none other Like thee. Thou wert one-half of me ; 1 did, loving, so lean on thee — The front, the head, e'er running on To take the brunt from me, my John ! Yea, thou so gentle wert withal, And yet so brave, without a call 44 fyz mbo 2Hon tfte 22lorlD The lambs, seeing thee, came to thee, And the birds did leave the cherry tree To perch upon thine arm. A dove, I remember, in his sweet love Did pluck for thee a date, And gave, as to his mate; Then softly with his beak Did touch thy peach-like cheek As doubting but thou wert some rare Rich fruit — thou were to all so fair. Now I alone must go ; and none Of all this crowd beneath the sun Can hear the voice that we did hear : — Nay ! all shall hear and heed it ere The Spirit dieth from the call We only heard. God doeth all. JESUS BY THE LAKE Beautiful lake of Gennesaret ! Gem of green Galilee! Villages six and hamlets many make round about rim for thee. Dreamily thy waves beat 'gainst orchards of olives, making soft sound Where wine presses color thy waves, so closely the vineyards stand round. Slow moving in lines, along the highway rolls the grain-laden cart ; tyz Wibo Wion tjbe ffl*otID 45 While cottagers fill hampers of figs that asses bear off to the mart. Down to thy waves, far reaching, the shadows of mountains at night Span over gold grain fields, and pastures green, with sheep dotted white. Doves fly over the house tops like clouds, or set- tle to feed on thy sands, While storks stand gravely and wise, not resent- ing the touch of men's hands. All the picture is peace, and poetry dwells round the rim of thy sea, Most beautiful lake of Gennesaret, gem of dear Galilee. Cool are the springs that leap from the hillsides near loved Magdala And smooth are the roads hewed in rocks where men go down to Bethsaida. Vines clamber the steeps of the hills and over the trees of the vale — Grapes cluster, dipping down to the waves, where fishers fling out the glad sail. Here came the Master of love, and his ways were those of the valley green That holds to its heart this beautiful sea, the fairest the eye hath seen. And around him men clustered, and women came from far and from near, And the children looked love for his love, and the birds sailed close without fear. He taught them the lessons God giveth to hearts that are loving and pure ; That, heard well and heeded, to sadness of souls will ever give cure. And they loved this beautiful teacher so like their own beautiful vale ; To whatever truth he sowed in their hearts giving heed without fail. JESUS TEACHES PARABLES The Prodigal, Son Jesus A man did have two sons : the one a proud-souled lad Who never made his father either grieved or glad, All duty did with ready will, and turned again As oxen in yon field obey the voice of men. No riot in his blood did break upon the sea Or ripple his unvarying will's monotony. The father oft would praise the goodness of the lad; They worked together, sharing whatsoe'er they had. l)t Wfoo fflion tbe ft&orlO 47 Not such the younger son, in whom a warmer vein; Hot blood leaped up to fire the tinder of his brain. In him the father saw himself, and face to face, Regretful, did his youthful passions oft retrace. At last this boy would try the world. " The goods," he said, " That will be mine, give now — then I'll with Fortune wed." His father gave. And wandering aimless, he soon spent His portion, living riotous. With short lament He to a swineherd hired himself, the swine to feed. Nigh starved, he shared their meals and ate the pods with greed. Sad was his state ; and stripped at last of all dis- guise, He saw himself as he had seemed in others' eyes. " Ingrate ! " he cried. " I'll rise and to my father go ; Confess my utter baseness, and reveal my woe. Perchance I'll win from his dear love forgiving grace, And he will grant to me a menial's place." Across the hills he flew, o'er which he once did roam, Until he saw the spot beloved by him as home. 48 tyz Wibo ffllon tfce M3orID His father, whose sore heart had never known sweet rest Since first his boy had left the safe parental nest, All watchful, day by day, afar his son did see And ran to meet the prodigal most rapturously. Upon his dear loved neck he flung his weary arms, And weeping loud, he held him refuged from all harms. He bade the servants take him to his boyhood's bed; " Kill quick the fatted calf that he be therewith fed; Wash him, and clothe with softest raiment of the press " — But still the lad held close with kiss and fond caress. " It is not meet," the boy replied, " that I should be Again a son ! But as a servant look on me ! Thy substance I did waste ; thy love I did abuse." " Put on the robe of welcome and on his feet put shoes. Spread, spread the feast ! " the father cried. " With me have joy ; For he I mourned as dead is once again my boy." The elder son went homeward from his daily task, l)t ftObo ft&on tfte CffloriD 49 And hearing sounds of feasting and of joy, did ask The cause. And when they all replied, " He has returned, Thy brother! And thy father joyeth," envy burned. He sore complained that he had never been made glad With feasting or with costly shoes and raiment clad, Though ever faithful. But he who had wasted half Their living, turning, had the ring and fatted calf. His father said, " All that is mine is thine, my son. 'Tis true thou hast been faithful, left nought undone; But now my soul's delight denies its daily bound Since this thy brother, whom I mourned as lost, is found." This was the story as he told it to the crowd ; And some approved his words, and some con- demned, aloud. The scribes said well that Jesus taught, with something more, New laws, unlike the eye for eye of legal lore — Yea, a new God, the Lord of Love, who'd choose for His own The sinners, not the saints. One flung an angry stone, Crying, " Shall then the publicans and harlots rise To higher seats than ours — repenting in such wise? " " Yea ! " answered Christus, " In God's king- dom they shall be Foremost who, having sinned, do, turning from sin, flee. So shall the harlots, grieving, enter ere the priest Who, little erring, also knows of love the least." The Sower All the hillsides are ribbed with the farmer's furrows, mellow and brown ; And the ravens caw, ever awaiting the scatter- ing of seed falling down. High over the valleys the vineyards stand, and the huge winepress, still. The orchards of olives below grow green at the sun's sweet will. Broad terraces round the hill brows wind up in successive zones t)t Mlf)o Uion t&e MJoriD 51 Where the scanty, rich soil is held 'gainst flood tide by walls of stones. Now all the wild rosebuds are touched with the blood of spring, While the sowers with songs, going over the brown earth, swing Their flail-like arms, and the seed that is sowed before them flies. Some on furrows that are softened falls, and there with joy it lies, Till the shouting lads and the patient, slow oxen press down The seed into earth's welcoming bosom, mellow and brown. But the tortuous paths are sacred as highways ever to men — Hard trodden, and strewed with stones from the fields cast up again ; There the plough touches not, but there also some seed doth lie, And the birds from the blue come down and glean with a joyous cry. The Master and favored disciples walked at high noon with love Where the path did wind among the fields that hung high above The valley brown and over white Bethlehem's walls arose. 52 l)t WbQ &Bcm tfte ffllotID And he saw in his mind the souls of men where the good God sows And the seed of truth falls — some in the fur- rows turned by love Till carefully the treading duties of life cover it warm above; But some on the hardened tracks that are trod by wilful sin; x And some on the souls that are shallow in love and faith within, Giving seed but a day of life and a pledge that's unfulfilled, Lacking the golden sheaves where the soil is deep and tilled. Turned about, the Master told this tale of the sowers sowing seed ; And some said, " What is it ? " But others with thinking eyes gave heed To a larger hope and a harvest of gold in the nobler life That is willed when the soul with the Sower of Good ends strife. The Man Among Thieves A trader out of Jericho once went With woven goods on peaceful traffic bent; But thieves, that herded in a narrow pass, Fell sore upon him, beat him, killed his ass, And, taking goods, did leave the man for dead. Another traveler whom business led Came near and saw him bleeding i' the wood ; Leaped off his ass, and as best he could Bound up his wounds, mounted him instead, And gently to an inn his burden led, — There cared as for a brother. When he went He gave the keeper silver; and that spent, If still the sick man, healing, needed more, He would return betimes and pay the score. His creed he knew not, nor his native tongue ; Enough his lot had cast him thieves among. He was a human brother ; asking nothing more, He gave him brother's love and paid a neigh- bor's score. JESUS IS QUESTIONED Twelve Pharisees by chance beneath a spread- ing oak Sat grouped at early noonday where their fast they broke With roasted pease; and much they talked of Moses' law And what tradition gave, and then bemoaned each flaw The people, having less of righteousness than they, Brake i' the edge of stricter godliness each day. 54 l£e COfto ftOon tfte ftOotlD Keen grew their loved debate of primal sin and all The consequences of our earliest parents' fall, Of righteousness by faith imputed, and the sin Of those who used the Sabbath even life to win. " Master," cried one, " if any fowl an egg shall lay Whilst caged for sacrifice upon a festal day, Is't lawful that the egg be eaten?" "With what oil May one on Sabbath day illume his measured " toil?" Just then twelve Sadducees came proudly down the path Where farmers cut with joy the autumn after- math, And laughing loudly as they saw the Pharisees, They cried, " Behold ! Behold ! What holy men are these ! Half Moses o'er their broad phylacteries stitched in, They've less of need for love and law their souls within. ' Book-searchers ' they, who think the universe to find Inside their vellum rolls by the Eternal counter- signed. fyz OOfjo {tOon tfte G3orlO 55 Behold!" they jeered, "what heavy shoulders these men bear, — Tipped over, not with brains nor common sense, we'll swear, But by the enormous weight of laws they sought to bind On us while they the vowel points of right defined. ' Broomstick Pharisees,' with legs so piously inlaced, They've all the righteousness with which a fowl is graced." So chaffing scornfully, they girdles loosed, and drew, With basket store, a leather flagon into view. But scarce had these quenched thirst when through the bearding wheat By camel path came Jesus and his Twelve, the heat To escape beneath the selfsame trees. Intent were they Upon the lesson which he taught them by the way, For he would have them single-eyed to truth, nor turn Aside from love and faith the legal husk to learn. " Beware," he said, " the leaven of the Phar- isees ! 56 fyt JKBfto KBott the SHotlO By fruit alone ye judge your fig and olive trees ; So men. Whoso shall justice do, that man is right, And justified shall stand in Heaven's revealing light. Know this — it is the reign of good I come to teach. This is my mission. God shall yet all nations reach. All evil shall be overcome ; the world anew Be made by love. 'Tis yet a mustard seed, it's true, But this believe, that I and my Father are as one, And ye must work with us till every land is won. Behold I to the poor preach broadcast — not by stealth ; But the rich despise not, nor envy thou their hoarded wealth. In God's sight are no chosen — the little ones above The great he places, and the weak he exalts with love. Beside the man the woman — equal partners these." Thus spake the Master as they came beneath the trees. SCRIBES QUESTION HIM Scribes Now would we, Master, thou shouldst plainly solve Some riddles of our law, our doubts dissolve. Long have we waited one whose clearer sight Might add authority to native light. What is the law in one short sentence spelled That one may learn, his arm at length outheld ; Or on one foot, well-balanced, say it o'er And yet have time to say a precept more? Jesus 'Tis here: Do thou to others as thou would Have others do in turn. This holds all good. No more remains of wisdom to be said ; Yet said, to action let thy words be wed. QUESTIONED BY THE PHARISEES Pharisees Say which command is greatest of the ten That Moses gave to guide the lives of men? Solve this, great Master! We will then resign, Confess thy gospel and thyself divine. Which is the first of all the great commands? Which is the least ? Which i' the middle stands ? 58 i^e ffiBfto S23on tbe ftOorlO Jesus What rank is there to Nature's unborn laws? If one be broken all the rest have flaws. Wouldst thou be perfect thou must surely find For every duty full accord of mind. Who breaks the finest thread of truth and right, Will break the cable if he have the might. But here's all law ; with all thy honest mind Love God, and in thy neighbor ever find Thyself ; with all thy heart and mind and soul Give love divine o'er all supreme control. Pharisees Now wilt thou give our consciences reprieve That oft in ignorance are left to grieve, — How oft shall I a brother's sins forgive And bid the breaker of God's laws, " Go, live "? Jesus " Seven times," one Rabbi ; another, " Seventy," saith ; But Hillel, " While for repentance he hath breath." I say, forgive as thou wouldst be forgiven ; Thus shalt thou honor God and enter heaven. Pharisees Still, Master, have our teachers disagreed When from the marriage bond a man is freed. ^e TOo ffllon tfre C&otlD 59 For what offence be set aside a wife — Name these, and end our Rabbis' wordy strife? Jesus Whoso unite, united are. They twain, No longer twain, are one, and shall remain One mind, one flesh ; in hope, in purpose one ; Nor aught shall sever till their lives are done. Pharisees Solve once again our trouble, Master, pray ! Can we, as honest Jews, to Caesar pay The yearly tribute, or shall we withhold When servile publicans demand our gold ? Jesus While ye from Caesar hold not back his dues, See that to God his tribute none refuse. This penny bears the stamp of Caesar's face ; Your bodies bear the stamp of God's good grace. The penny's Caesar's ; ye are God's — pay then Yourselves to Him, the silver unto men. Pharisees If thou be Christ, then take of the stones we tread, By word divine ordain they shall be bread. Then will we worship thee ; but if canst not, These righteous stones shall drive thee from the spot. 60 fyz ft&fto S&on tfte HBorlD Jesus Why should I to sate your gaping for the odd Or get your idle seal that I am God, Play pranks — turn useful stones to useless use ; Curing no one of lies, nor less'ning abuse? I do not deal in Godhood as you do sell Your manhood — if therefore ye stone me, well. THE SADDUCEES AND JESUS Again the Sadducees made quest : " A man being dead — As Moses bid, a brother took his wife to wed ; In turn full seven did have the woman as a wife. Now if there be, as some affirm, another life, Wilt show whose wife she is, or will be, in that day When, as they say, the dead arise from death's decay? " " In this," the Master said, " from truth ye wander far, For in the resurrection ye as angels are." JESUS CALLS NATHANIEL Jesus Under the fig tree when the dew, Nathaniel, wet thy garments through, And round thy knees the lilies white fyt mfto mow tfte rnotio 6i Looked glad to see the morning light ; Ere stirred the world of trading men, Devoid of guile I heard thee then, While softer than thy words there fell God's answers, all His love to tell. Then did thy face shine toward the sun, But of its radiance borrowed none. Under the fig tree, Nathaniel, In prayer at noon I saw thee kneel — When the great leaves hung down for heat, And lizards basked on wall and seat — I heard thee then, and in my heart I called thee. Why dost thou start? Thou heardest my call, and lo, thine eyes Did look up startled to the skies. Yea, so it was I called thee then ; * Follow thou me,' I call again. Under the fig tree at close of day, When down the vale long shadows lay, I heard thee lift thy prayer sincere In accent softening with a tear ; * My knees, Lord, chafe this kindly sod, Craving one word from thee, my God ; I seek not wealth, nor Paradise, Nor that I may be overwise. Wilt speak one loving word to me, Or deign that I but look on thee? " 62 J^e MJfco 2x3on tfje &3otlD Nathaniel Thou, thou, art the Son of God ! Thou art the longed-for Israel's Lord! Cleaveth to thee my soul with trust ; I will no more kneel i' the dust ! While God I sought through distant sky He hath revealed Himself as nigh — Yea, hath spoken, and hath made known That in the heart of man is His throne ; Hath shown his love and faithfulness And his ever readiness to bless. WOMAN OF SAMARIA Maid Solus High noon sits on the valley. Down the dusty way The long line of camels moves toward the village grey. The ugly drivers beat their leathern sides with staves, Or cross the creature's flanks stretch out their dirty calves. I hate men ! Trees I love ! I would I might always sit Here, under loving branches where birds do sing and flit, By the old well, on moss ; smell the wet air bub- bling up; And look about the valley ; sometimes fill the cup Of a traveller, and skins for camels, oxen, sheep ; — And think until my soul like well grew cool and deep. There is no peace with men: they quarrel over peace ; Break heads about religion, love, and women; lease Themselves to all clangor; bowl down each other's gods. Let them eat now and fill themselves. I'll have on these sods An hour alone, only for the bees that sip and sing, Spending whole days in red ripe lilies rum- maging. Jesus Maid, wilt lift that skin of water to my parched up That I, now tired, may life renewed and sweet- ened sip? Maid Good sir, I will. But whence so sudden earnest thou here, Thus startling my sweet reverie to half-formed fear? 64 foe TOo gxflon tfte ffiBotia Besides thou art a Jew and I Samaria's maid ; No Jew doth grant, or even take from us, love's aid. Jesus 'Tis true I am a Jew — but more the son of man ; I measure not my love by Pharisaic span. The time shall come — yea, draweth nigh — when neither here, Nor in Jerusalem alone, shall men draw near The God of Truth; but whoso, worshipping, shall mind The truth, they in spirit shall the Father find. Know that of one blood God made all races of mankind — The Jew, the Greek — one only law of love to bind. AT THE POOL Elizur Here we are again. Legs, arms, bellies, and backs, All sore, broken, or twisted! And what one lacks Some other'll furnish. And when the angel comes Why one or two of the lucky will pick up the plums. &e ftOtjo Wion tfte motlti 65 Then the brigade'll march off for another year. Crutch-music on the pavements awhile yet, no fear ! This angel's a lout to leave us roasting what's left Of our bone-sacks, to save his wings an extra cleft. Simeon Elizur! you'll have your jest out o' the mouth of death; As for me, joking is scant for lack of breath. Elizur I swear by Herod there goes Levi, bed and all ! Hard waiting for the lazy angel's stirred his gall. He's off on sound legs ! Cured by clear grit ! Up and try ! Damn angels that loiter while we lie here and die! My back's weaker than my will. I'm dead i' the middle ; Both ends good ! Who's to patch head to heels ? That's my riddle. There are my heels, all right ! Here's my head ; as heads go, sound ! But what's a head good for minus legs to carry't round? 66 fyz Wibo ftfflon tfje gxBotlO A fellow's all links ! Break one, the whole is spoiled. Crier, cry : ' Here is a heap of odd limbs at auction ! The lot who'll buy?' Simeon ' Heels and tongue ' you should say, you bab- bling fool ! Your back's given out carrying such a tool. Elizur An odd hundred, I say, of legs, heads, and heels ! Misfits in generation — at birth wrong deals ! But a good patcher could patch, out of the whole pile, A score o' carcasses would be worth the while. Simeon Hold thy shallow pate ! Or I'll crack with this crutch A head that nothing'll cure of gabbling o'er- much. I'd more that some good soul in passing by Would blow on me wi' wind o' sympathy. Elizur Ho, is it sympathy, Simeon? Why, there goes a priest — One, two, three of them ! — home from their latest feast! Wiping their chins of the bits their bellies wouldn't hold ; Not quite through grinning over the last lusty story told. Sec what Godly, pious dresses ; and how their faces fat Fit their phylacteries, while each hugs his prayer mat ! Such knees as those mustn't touch the plebeian ground ! More need of angels to patch their souls, I'm bound. Their noses crook down, their eyes crook up ! Good Lord ! Good Devil ! That's it ! With what's going we accord ! Get Heaven by all means — but get the earth as well : — That's business ! At this rate what's to become of Hell? The rascals prate with their tongue to abuse the Devil, Every other organ — body and soul — given to evil. Oh, it's fine to preach justice, truth, and Eter- nal Right ; 68 l^e ft&bo Ulon tfae flOotID Tell off their musty prayers to Everlasting Might; But with looking up and looking down they never can Sidewise sight to see the wants of a fellow man. Hell will catch none at this rate. Lock it ! I say, But for us poor dogs who've sinned the Holy Ghost away. Simeon Elizur, you may chaff, but one day I did feel A touch, a breath, a something that did through me steal As Life were passing near — a Presence which did leave Me thinking sweet of childhood and how then doth weave A mother's love about a babe, feeding it to strength. E'en thus, I think, if God should, pitying us at length, Draw near, His life would live in us ; would fold us in, Bidding us live in His life, forgiving all our sin. I do since pray that this which did then barely touch May find me once again; then farewell to this crutch. ©e Wiho mon tfte £OorlD 69 Jesus Why sitst thou here ? Why in this knotted mass of broken clay Dost lie, and look so wistful toward the setting day? Simeon Aye ! and why not ? No friend have I when the water boils And the angel's power is in the stream to help our toils. So lie I here while others crowd before, and I Have nothing else to do but wish and wish to die. And yet — this moment — I do feel a strange delight Around my heart, creeping like day upon long night ! My limbs do stretch themselves ! O God, my cords untwist ! Old days are whispering in me, hope's boyish tryst ! The warmth of life is rising in my blood, my brain ! What is it beats on every sense? what joy of pain ? For all these years two score of dead unbroken woe. 70 fyz Wibo Wion tfte ftOorlo Of pain unleavened, were as nought to this sharp flow Through veins of quickening life. Once more I dare to hope. Ambition wakes. New thoughts break loose with pain to cope. Jesus Thy sins forgiven are. Arise, take up thy bed And go thy way; by God's sweet love hence- forth be led. Thy faith hath saved thee, Simeon, while this fleshly crew Know not it is the soul that must the flesh re- new. Simeon Nay, 'tis thine own true soul that foldeth now, unseen, My feebler self. I felt thee passing yestere'en. Thy presence did but barely breathe upon my woe, And who or what thou wert, my Christ, I could not know. But now I feel thou art God's son — Eternal life — To lift our bruised souls from wreck of carnal strife. l£>e mho ffiJon tfte M3otID 71 Elizur Simeon, I feel a strange stir of life In these twisted bones of mine — a strife With decay. Creeping through this dried flesh There is quickening, and the shriveled mesh Of muscles do round themselves and fill With something soft like youth ; a thrill Leaps through me, to and fro, like shuttle thrown By weaver! I cannot quite help groan; Life tugs at every chord; all this bale Of old ropes untwines. Up with the sail ! Simeon! See! Behold! I rise up! I stand! I, that these forty years have clawed the sand. Simeon ! Ho ! Hast thy crutch forgot ? I'll bring it ! Here it is ! What ! will not ! Thou, too? Thy bones untwisting yield To the soft power of faith? Annealed Thy splintered spars which so did sway Slovenly with thy flesh? Let us away. The Healed Sing Sweet Teacher of life's better ways, We'll pour the goblet of our days Into hope's golden years. Thy love we'll sing, And evermore to thee will reverence bring. 72 l^e mho ffllon tfte COorlD What else were dull and lustreless To shining doth the sun caress ; So hath God shone upon our grievous woe Till darkened souls with glorious love do glow. WORKING AND HEALING " Jesus of Nazareth passeth by ! " Such at noon was the joyous cry ! The children shouted, the old men run, The mothers shaded their eyes from the sun. Those who had broken themselves with sin — The halt without and the halt within — Hoping, yet doubting, ran to see What this Nazareth prophet's power might be. Lepers afar stood up the street, Fearing, but longing, the Lord to meet. Aloud they cried, " Wilt thou but heal, None shall vie with the leper's zeal." Listened the blind as if to see From his wonderful words what his face might be; And the deaf, intent on his lips, would hear The soul of the sound that fled the ear. The crowd pressed close on every side. Out of the market poured a tide ; Out of the houses, great and least ; And jostled by beggar came the priest. " Who did touch me ? " Jesus said, Turning about his golden head. " Why should you ask, when pressed upon By such a crowd," said gentle John. " It was I," said a voice of tremulous fear. " I thought could I press the Master near And touch his robe — the uttermost hem — 'Twould the tide of my trouble quickly stem. If I wronged the Master, I pray forgive ; I would not rob him, myself to live." But the Master replied, " Be of good cheer. Thy faith hath saved thee ; go without fear." Angels Sing As all world atoms do intwine Their common purposes divine So joys below make joy above — The heavens respond to earthly love. JESUS QUESTIONS THE DISCIPLES Jesus Whom say men I am? None can know me ; Alone before me, The way narrows to death. Whom say men I am? I turn to the crowd ; My soul is bowed. — Narrows the way to death. Whom say men I am? I would make God known ; Man to God atone. — All the way narrows to death. Whom say men I am? Some ' Elijah risen ' ; Some ' John from prison.' — The way narrows to death. Whom say men I am? Thou art the Son of God ! All ye are sons of God ! — Death leadeth unto life. Whom say men I am? He that opens the door; None shall close evermore. — Death leadeth unto life. Whom say men I am? Whoso self would save Let him loose sin's slave. — Death opens into life. Mary Magdalene Aye, let me but bend and kiss His feet, and I will weep My soul out there, such bliss It is to know this world Is not all selfishness. I, who have been cursed And flung about by men, Loved for their own vile sakes, Do love in turn — giving all. Let my hair, nature's veil, To hide my woman's shame Fall o'er my face here bent Close to these unsandalled feet. Nay, I will not go ! Thyself In all this world doth save; My only hope is here. Tears ? aye ! But I will wipe Them thus, e'en with my hair. I know not why sweet life, And hope as fresh as dew Touch now my soul ! My sins Afar grow ! — shadow like ; And still recede ! O Christ, I love thy love, thy peace, Thy calm, pure holiness ! The very air that folds 76 i^e Wlbo SHon tfte &OorlD About thee charged is With purity and strength. Jesus Flow on, thou fount of woe; Pour tears without restraint Till grief doth find relief, And sweetness overflow Thy soul, born new with love. Daughter, although thy sins Were scarlet, they shall be As snow — thy soul as white ! Trust God; believe in me; For as I am, so God, In whom is life and love, Who would not that a soul Should die, but, turning, live. Pardon for thy sins I give. JESUS' DOCTRINES CAUSE DISPUTE Jesus Who shall conquer the world? Who bring Order and peace from chaos? No king With armies, none mighty with law, Nor he who interpreteth without flaw. Strong arm brings strife ever to strife, ^e ffilfjo ffllon tbt MJoriD 77 Stirring death into mortal life. He that would be king, let him first rule Well his own spirit, learn to school His powers, observe the inner law; Then shall he judge another's flaw. He that would be first, let him be least; Then shall he know to be judge or priest. The Crowd: One Aye, that is it, Simon. Conquer the world By lying down instead of being hurled ! The rascal's foot put on your neck and pray The dear Devil not to take his hoof away! Art smitten on one cheek? Turn then the other ; The striker call by the sweet word ' brother.' Hast lost a coat? Then to the thief go toss Another garment, thus to lighten loss. Another Have faith ! Look at the lilies afield Who toil not, spin not, nor tools need wield ; Live ever at their royal ease, Yet have their fine phylacteries. There's the new gospel we have heard : God lives to feed the lazy herd ! Watches for plucked hairs that fall From beggar's head, and counts them all! JESUS CLEANSES THE TEMPLE Jesus Priests, lawyers, scribes, plunderers all, Turning God's house into butcher's stall ! Who now shall cleanse the temple ; sweep Defilement into one vile heap; The torch apply, and thereon build The love of all that God has willed? One of the Crowd So ho, Bar Abbas! A miracle We did demand and here it is — The crowd, subdued, moves sweetly off Like whipped dogs. Aye, we all, Not used to fear, but somewhat rough, Are sneaked away, lo here, lo there ! 'Twas yester I did see him lash The temple traffickers — a crowd ! And laughed to see them curse and run Sheep, cattle, fowls, and hypocrites. See, here the stone I would have flung I swear by Moses I'll let fly At the first priest that passes by. Bah! To feel that stout fists and arms, Good jaws, and old style righteousness Of sticks and stones is losing ground! So this new law of peace comes in. No law to be left but love ! and love ! Dt mf)o warn tfte motiD 79 Moses is now as good as done for 1 Forgive ! Forgive ! I say forgive Your enemies ! Love those who hate ! Gehenna's out at this damned rate. OX THE MOUNT OF OLIVES 'Twas morn on the Mount of Olives where the slope Toward Jerusalem did glorious visions ope. Behind, the Dead Sea and all that cheerless plain Where Jordan threads its way with tortuous gain. All death was there; all life was here. Palms threw Deep shade abroad ; doves 'mong the branches flew; And merchants, bearing food spread out on trays, Invited all to buy who passed those ways; Gave nuts and parched wheat and skins of milk, And spread soft cushions woven rich with silk. Four ancient cedars crowned the topmost knoll. These knew old Salem in its primal role; Had watched the change from huts to sculp- tured gate ; And still with calm its future lot did wait. A gentle slope there was of gardens green, so fyz TOo &3on tfte fflSotlD Of farms, and avenues of figs between, That eastward led ; and then Gethsemane, Half way from Salem's toil to Bethany. O'er every path vines arched their verdant green, Clomb trees and cottage walls till half unseen For bounteous clusters. There shepherd with his crook Led gently down the way by Cedron's brook. The sun, just risen from the eastern sea, Shone down on Salem's hills most gloriously ; Now crimsoned day displaced the placid night, Flashed temple towers with gold, and silver white The flat roofs gleamed. To traffic oped the gates And throngs poured in with wine and oil and dates, While other throngs poured out on merchant quest — The laborer seeking wage where wine vats pressed The vintage, or where aftermath of grass Was borne upon the back of camel and of ass. The toilers song, to cheer his task, rang out Through all the thickly wooded vale — the shout Of driver, and the merry laugh that noon Would make forget with weariness full soon. Xpz ffiifto Wlon tfte ft&orio 8i THE LAST SERMON Upon the Mount sat Jesus, and he taught All those who for his matchless wisdom sought. This was the last time that the Lord would call The folk from labor in the field and stall. " How did his words within us burn ! " they said When they recalled how love with wisdom wed. At his feet the Twelve ; beyond, adown the slope, A sea of eager faces lit with hope. Long taught he as if loth to close ; then o'er The valley bent his look, and taught no more. Still gazed he at the scene of latest toil — The gardens, vale, and Cedron's silver coil. Beyond the temple glorious one might count The glistening domes on fair Moriah's Mount Whence roar of distant life did beat the air. Then Christ his silence broke, " O city fair ! Once more, Jerusalem, within thy gate I pass — the last ; then leave thee to thy fate. How oft would I have gathered from the snare, The wile that kills the soul, thy children fair; But ye would not ; and now the fatal hour Draws nigh, and I must yield my power." JESUS CALLS FOR AN ASS Then rising from his seat, like to a king He spoke : " An ass from yonder village bring. I will fulfill the prophet's words, will give 82 fyz OJfto Wion tfte MJorlO To David's city one more chance to live. And yet I say to you the time draweth nigh When not one stone shall on another lie Of all those walls where yonder temple stands, The very glorious sum of all Judean lands." JESUS IS HAILED KING And they brought an ass and over him spread Their garments ; and mounting their king, they led The way through the valley to Salem's hill, While the crowd did all the highways fill. To left James strode ; Simon to right ; John, fearing for Jesus, liked not the sight. Out of the houses and from every side, Leaving their labors, folk swelled the tide. Down from the hills came an aftermath, — The people with joy, the priests with wrath. And the men and maidens down did fling Branches of trees with their blossoming — Roses of crimson, plucked from the walls, And cherry with petal white that falls. And ever the growing multitude, As if by a single will imbued, Sang, " This is our glorious David's son — King of the Jews; his reign begun." JESUS REFUSES THE CROWN But Jesus spake to them, " Be not deceived this day. My kingdom of this world is not — of hate and fray. I love my Father well; He, loving me, might send From heaven legions twelve of angels to defend. But whoso draweth sword, by sword in turn shall fall; There is no lasting kingdom but on love must call. Yourselves first rule, this knowing well — he is not king Whose head the smith shall crown with gold, on anvil shaping. So shall ye be God's sons and with Him rule alway, Nor shall the humblest perish in the fateful day." Then did some turn aside who heard the newer law, Saying, " Who now alas, shall stand without a flaw At judgment seat? The foremost shall appear the last, And last the first — the Tables Ten forever past." But some were glad, for in their hearts they'd read The Golden Rule ere yet to words it had been wed. PRIESTS IN COUNCIL Caiphas Now must we, Yahwe's priests, swift counsel take Ere this small heresy, like the first flake Of snow on Ararat, do multiply, And over Israel the pall shall lie. It spreads apace. The common folk are caught By cunning mesh this silver tongue hath wrought ; Love ! Peace ! Plenty ! Toil not nor spin ! But share your purse, and trust to God your bin. Great Yahwe'll fill! His children shall not fail Of bread and wine, or come to any ail ; Stones he will turn to bread! water to wine! Make fishes jump by faith from out the brine! Aye, aye ! Only follow him ; believe ; obey ! Cast law, tradition, prophet all away! Then down with temple ! No more need of priest ! The last shall first be ; greatest turned to least ! Down go we all ; the beggars will up come ! — Of this cursed blasphemy that is the sum. Hiklel His face is not such chiselling as those Greeks Across the bay set up — with eyes and cheeks And chin all measured by the inch and line; But more than all their gods, his is divine. His is a forehead broad, as it would say ' O'er the whole realm of nature here lies sway.' His nostril to great speech doth open wide — Not swift, but passionless and strong, the tide — Dividing cheeks of real flesh, warm with life, Not marble like your quarry gods. He is Life. Behind his eyes — 'tis there the mystery layeth ! A fount divine, deep-welled in rock of faith! His lips are not word-full. His speech doth reign Where thought and love are tangled i' the brain ; O'er all his words a great compassion flowing, Compasseth and comforteth me scarce knowing. His deeds so played the fountain in mine eye That I did crave to touch his mantle passing by. 86 ^e Wibo ft&cm tfte saotID Simon Here's John, who so did mouth his brave in- tent, And on the gapping crowd his courage spent ; But when this Jesus oped his lips, his own Were shut as when a crab grips finger bone. His oaths did die in his gullet downward, Rumbling as the colic had him inward ; — Didst note ! Ho, John ! brave John ! Art con- vert now; Ready before this fine young God to bow ? John Though but a carpenter's son, thou canst not say He did not bear himself Godlike in the fray. Dost know a God, Simon, when dost chance to see? Art sure of the Devil soon enough to flee? Must hunt God ever in vellum, moth-eaten, Frizzled by mumbling priest, and scribe-writ- ten? May not Yahwe be i' the round world still, So one may hear him speak his recent will? Where else, where better, the Eternal meet Than in fair Bethlehem's or in Salem's street? Is He these years more dumb, or man's need less, ©e TOo ffiJon tfte ft&orlD 87 That God be not abroad to curse or bless? Are there no wombs He may these days be borne in, No souls in our times He will deign to live in? Then have the laws and temples been a curse, Leading us backward — all ; no better, but worse. Am I convert? I know not. I'm through Trailing about with your much-preaching crew. I'll to doing ! 'Tis all is left. Let me but obey What laws I find within mine own soul alway. Simon What think'st, Gamaliel? Can we longer bide While blasphemy becomes resistless tide? Gamaliel I like not, Simon, lifting of the sword. Oft Yahwe cometh as the peaceful Word. Aye ! and the Word in all the world will sheathe All swords at last, and men will learn to breathe Sweet peace and love. I know the might of God; I would not from His hand we seize the rod. He'll rule, ne'er fear ; and with Him right ; the wrong Shall not be final, though at times all strong. So let us bide ; and if this thing be ought 88 tyz Who flOon tfte (KaotlD Of His, 'twill triumph; else, 'twill come to naught. Thou hast my mind. There are to fear much more Than this young zealot — yea, at temple's core. At heart of our fair church lie ills that smell of death. I sicken not when some fresh breeze doth give me breath. Simon Gamaliel! Thou no whit better art than he, This Nazarene who paradeth heresy. Thus blasphemy doth get the bits in teeth; Trampeth good discipline its feet beneath; Defies the law; the elders brings to scorn Because our counsels are by treason torn. Joseph Hist ! hist ! Son of Belial ! Darest pluck thus At beard of the greyest, wisest, among us ? Learn wisdom ere thou showest thy small store To all the world ; speak wiser or no more. Simon No more I will ; but will I act this night. Words I will sheathe; to silver trust the fight. THE LAST SUPPER Jesus Let not your hearts be sad; believe In God ! For me ye need not grieve. Believe in me; I will not leave You comfortless, but I will be Where } 7 e are gathered — two or three. This fair sweet world which now ye see God's house is, where ye may abide One hour; but mansions rich and wide Remain. And those whose lives are tried And fail not at the final quest, Shall reach unto God's highest rest. Jesus to Peter My Peter hath no weakness save That he will not be weak; too brave In speech, his hot words quickly burn; Is hard of hand, of visage stern. He likes not here, my breast upon, To see the drooping head of John; Says nought, but looks askance; denies The love he feels ; to passion flies Lest one surmise a gentle strain, Yet let a dog but cry for pain — Off goes his coat; the cur to save He'll plunge at midnight in the wave. 90 fyz WlbQ ffiJon tfte MlorlO Well named The Rock! My church I'll build By such a corner rock upheld. But, Petros, ere that day shall be Thou wilt deny thou knowest me. First must thou find how weak thou art Ere thou canst take the builder's part. Peter Nay, Master! Though the world deny, All men — yea, every one — shall fly ; Yet will I not. Firm will I stand, Undaunted; wield in this right hand The sword that will thyself defend And every wrong to right amend. Jesus There is a strength thou knowest not, My Peter. To learn it is thy lot. They that the sword do draw, by sword Shall fall; there is in one soft word More strength to turn this world about And put great evils unto rout. Peter Master, listen ! Here do I swear No cowardice shall ever bear Me from thy side. Jesus Indeed a Rock Thou art ; but by the crow of cock This rock shall shaken be — that heed ! Naught else can teach thee all thy need. Jesus to John So like to him, the John whom Herod slew ! We were as one — no diverse purpose knew. Lay here thy head ; 'twill ease the pain I feel ; The wound of love 'tis only love can heal. Lean here upon my heart ; let thy swift breath Decide: Canst drink with me the draught of death? Draw closer still. Thy love doth gather round The pain that Herod made — that lasting wound. Methinks that brow was made so fair, my John, For God to write his Golden Law upon. Now say, canst drink my cup? The hour is nigh That for the world's good hope the Christ must die. Jesus to Judas O my Judas, didst thou not love me then, Thou, when we talked of this sad world and men; Did lay our plans whereby we might lift up The sinful? Droppest gall into my cup? 92 tyz W&o ftOott tfte ftfflorld Clean wert thou, O my Judas, as yon cloud ! No taint of vice had stained thee, ever proud — Yea, proud ! In that the secret of thy fall — Proud of thy goodness ; condemned us all ; Too proud to wait on God, to trust the end ; And to God's plans thine own frail wit would lend. But know that all the threads that we have spun God knows, And will together weave when He His shuttle throws. IN THE GARDEN Jesus Alone with Thee, my God! I wet the dew-wet sod. Not one is left! Wilt Thou Touch now with love my brow ? O Father, in this dread hour Take not from me Thy power. Must I, Godless, alone, Losing sense of help, atone? — I, in my poor flesh, and more In spirit bruised sore ? Show me Thy face again, Ah God ! once more. Just then ! In the hour ! my hour ! yea, mine. i^e Mlbo SOon tfte ffllotlD 93 I did forget ! Not mine Until I stand alone And so do make atone. Whither shall I turn, for now Not God will help ? My brow Is wet with dew. 'Tis blood ! Welling from life's flood, It breaks its boundary To set my spirit free. Jesus to Sleeping Disciples Wake ! wake ! my brothers, wake ! Can ye not watch one hour While I with prayer must test My soul's extremest power? Wake ! wake ! O brothers, wake ! The time fast draweth nigh When I for self must live Or for the world shall die. Now ye poor weary ones, Not knowing, sleep and sleep ; But I, alas, alone Do weep, and pray, and weep. God ! friends ! heaven ! the world ! All fail ! Why kneel I here ? It is the end of prayer — The end, glad end, of fear. 94 ^e &3f)0 Wion tfte axBoclD Sleep ! sleep ! ye weary ones ! My cross is all my own. Sweet cross ! dear lifting cross ! How dear this night thou'rt grown ! Sleep ! sleep ! my brothers, sleep ! Your cross ye soon must take ; Full soon the world will learn To hate you for my sake. Wake not ; but take your rest ! Why vex you with my woe ? Beloved, the hour is here ; I pay the debt I owe. Though morning sun find here My tears upon the sod, Yet they shall filled be With light and hope from God. Angels Sing Only love immortal is, Leading mortal on to bliss ! Christus stoopeth now to win All men's hearts from death and sin. Thus he drains the immortal's cup ; They that hate shall lift him up. In his death ye all shall live; Life and love doth Christus give. TRIAL AND CRUCIFIXION Pilate's Wife. Pilate, I pray have nought to do With slaying Jesus ; all night through I've tossed in dreams that do alarm Lest him thou bring to any harm. Pilate Solus Aye, aye, my sweet ! The women dote On this fair king. We'll have the vote Of the rougher sort — the cursed crew That hounds my court. I hate a Jew ! A dozen priests in a roaring crowd ; A dozen devils to mischief bowed! By God ! they have no mercy ! Hark ! They set the rabble on to bark — Aye, and to bite, were not good spears At hand to quicken wholesome fears. Now whet their slavering jaws to rend This Jesus ; I'm the law to lend To cloak the damned deed ! Let's see If subtlety will set him free. Here have I caged Bar-Abbas, thief, Who pillaged synagogues — the chief Of robber clans ; 'tis him they dread Above all men; would love him dead. 96 5>e ftBbo KBon tfte KBorlD I'll put him in the balance. Choose Twixt him and Jesus, noble Jews ! To the Jews Good friends, I have a whim to please; Jesus or Bar Abbas will release. Choose you ! 'Tis mine this time to obey Your choice! Him I'll release straightway. The Jews Give us Bar Abbas, wilt thou set one free ! A loyal Jew, to Yahwe true, let be ; Though he have taken moneys not his own, His prayer and ours will for that sin atone. Away with Jesus ! Kill him ! Crucify ! There is our choice ! let all blasphemers die ! Pilate But what of evil hath he done? Our law demands the crime ; no one It slays unheard. Say who hath aught To accuse? What evil hath he wrought? The Crowd Thy word, Pilate, is given ; thou canst not deny. Away with Jesus ! away with Jesus ! Let him die ! So we, the people, being made voters, vote Bar Abbas loose ! This our decision — note ! As for the other rogue we all say nay ; Give him a dose of Hebrew law we say. Or here's a good two thousand Jews, each one A stone in hand ; we'll cast our votes ; anon The trouble's ended. Pilate, thou'rt no friend Of Caesar — mark that well — if thou do lend This fellow aid, the would-be King of Jews ! Bar Abbas ! ho ! Bar Abbas the people choose ! Pilate I'll keep my word, accursed crew ! To that I'm bound e'en with a Jew ; But this man's blood with you now stands. Ho ! water bring ! I wash mine hands Of the foul stain ! Let no one say I slew the man; I but obey Your custom. Let your scribes attest ; His blood with you and yours doth rest. The People On us ! on us ! and on our children be The blame ! On us the blood most willingly ; We'll ever bear it till the world's remotest end. But speed the cross ! lest thou to other counsel bend. 98 5)e 22!J)o &3on tbe OlotlD JESUS GIVEN OVER TO BE CRUCIFIED The Mob A king ! Joab ! a king ! we coronate, Wilt have a crown, king? Here're thorns for thy pate. Give him a sceptre ! Strap his throne on his back; The King of the Jews must not for honors lack. Blindfold the God! Now let him prophesy! Who struck thee? was it Jochabed or I? Buffet him ! buffet him ! Now hear him pray ! Come, little Godlet! what is't would he say? ' Eloi ! Eloi ! ' He's calling Elias to come. Quick, give him a sop of gall his pains to numb ! See that the nails are strong, and drive with a will! Seize on there, Paulus ! hold him firm and still ! Come, here's your chance ! Other rascals you would save; Now save yourself, Savior, from death and grave. Another Well, now, he has some pluck ! He'll never wince Nor whine ; carries himself like a real prince ! Here is his coat, one piece ; toss up ! Who'll wear ipe ffljfao mow tfte ft&otio 99 The robe of God? 'Twould be a shame to tear. Now see his dainty flesh! Lay on a rod! Another By Yahwe ! I like it not — too like a God He bears our thrusts ! I feel about my heart A melting of my flesh ! I'll take his part ! I'm growing like some woman ! Nay, I'll leave ; I'll strike for him unless I flee ! I grieve That I did cry to crucify ; that face I'll never from this brain of mine erase. Another Let up, ye cowards ! Have ye now no shame ? A convert ? No ! I bear an honest name ; But a Jew, and any honest Jew, can see This man is half a God — half devils ye ! Wilt slay me too? Well, that is better yet Than I had thought ! Ho ! Now, sweet Christ, well met ! When in thy kingdom thou art come at last, Remember me, forgetting much my past ! And so by one rare thought of tenderness I blot my record. Men this deed will bless, Forgetting all my wrong! O happy hour That blends my fate with one of Christly power To save ! Aye, save ! for I am saved. I hate My former self. Myself anew create; loo I0t Ulbo Mlon tfte ffiUorlD In this man's love and loving life newborn ! I laugh your spears and all your taunts to scorn. Others Well, well ! here's company ! That's fair ! We'll swing them together i' the air. Gods lonesome grow, like men, if left too much alone. So, rascals, see thou'rt social on thy triple throne. Another The sport grows dull, old crone, and leaves a taste That's not o'ersweet. Serve Satan in hot haste ! Then leisure take ; repent a bit, and pray ! By ones and twos the crowd has dropped away. I'm off ! The devil take the deed now 't's done ; On this night's wrack will never rise God's sun. ON THE CROSS Jesus Pity me, O God ! O world ; this sad sore wound Of sin here in my heart ! I on the cross bound Am no more I — but all this piteous crowd. With all men's woes and sins am I endowed — l£>e mbo Wion tfte ffilorio 101 To feel, to bear, endure, and still to hold Fast on Thee, O my Father ! Now wilt me en- fold Tenderly or I fail ; and with me all these Thou gavest me by love's pain to release? Pity me ! pity me ! for how can I now sustain In this sore heart such infinite of pain? For this I toiled, endured; it is my hour. Father, let me not fail ! Have I the power To kill the self that in this flesh hideth Lest it all hopes of victory o'errideth? 1 turn, I travail — broken, dying, tossed ; At last, dear God, in Thee myself am lost. World Voices Now, now, is he king, and he shall rule by love alone ; And man unto God by his glorious faith shall he bring at one. To him shall the nations come in the ages yet to be; And before him the might of hate and wrong shall forever flee. Other Voices The brute age dieth — let it die ; The love age meets us from the sky. 102 i£e cai&o mon tfte 22JcrID The struggle changes ; henceforth be To save — not slay — man's destiny ; To lift his neighbor — not tear down ; To help the weak ; not wear a crown Of lordship, but pluck from death The wounded — give sweet breath Of tender words to those who err; To sore, sad hearts love's oil and myrrh. Men and Angels He has failed not ! he has failed not ! Thy son ! He has finished the work Thou gavest him to do! He has overcome self; the world he has won ! He will gloriously gather all men to his heart ! He shall live ! he shall live ! in the souls of men, In all fears, in all pains ; in all far-reaching hopes ; All ages shall crown him, till time shall die, The most glorious Christ, the Beautiful One ! They shall sing! the}' shall sing! his boundless love In the golden days when the Golden Rule Shall all laws displace and the farseeing soul Shall seek his own good i' the good of the whole. l^e (KBfco 2x3on tfte SxaoriO 103 ACCUSATION AND DENIAL OF PETER One of the Mob Here we'll have our sport, Hold a Marginal Court. Another This fellow is one of the fools That followed him, ready tools For sedition ! Note his tongue Bewrayeth he was among The pestilent herd. Tweak His nose that he shall speak. Peter Thou liest ! I never saw The victim of your law — Traitor ! robber ! what not ! — Till I saw him on this spot ! Another Aye, but I swear I've seen This fellow but yestere'en Trailing with the trait'rous crew. Peter Thou liest ! I am a Jew ! Thou a publican spy, Sold to all infamy ! 104 tyz o Wion tfte ffllotlfl 117 But dost thou love me, Peter? " " Why ask me thus again ? Thou knowest that my love surpasses that of Then closer drew he to his heart that tawny head. " Than all things else thou lovest? " still ques- tioning said. The fiery spirit flashed : " Thou knowest, Mas- ter, all. I love thee so, my Jesus, that greater love or small No other love can be." "E'en so I ever thought ; But by my questions, Peter, thine inmost soul I sought. Now do I charge thee — if thou love, go feed my sheep. I leave to thee the flock; do thou the guerdon keep." Upon the coals the fishes broil. Along the east- ern sky The fire of growing day with flame of crimson flashes high. Angels Sing 'Tis done ! 'tis done ! Our Christ has won ! On earth below God's peace shall grow. 118 ^e mt)o ftOon tfte ftQorlD World Voices Now i' the heart of the world shines one true life; Star-like, calling all men to love from strife ; And He shall live more and more, till the leaven Of his life and his love shall make this world a heaven. FINALE So Jesus became the king of the world, And he gave a new code of law ; And the world did welcome this king of love, Forgetting those erst it saw. For the Golden Rule is the rule that wins, And the nations shall heed its will ; And the days dawn close that will melt the sword, And the might of right fulfil. Straight down through the ages ever has run One line of prophecy true, That whatever of wrong might triumph to-day To-morrow shows champions few. But Tightness rises from every defeat; The Christs come down from the cross ; The true that dies is a buried seed, And its harvest makes good the loss. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 165 591