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 Where, welcomed as a soldier's clever son, He wrought in wood for all the legions there In Jaffa, where his father had been killed. For eighteen years he stayed beside the sea And, working at the trade that Joseph taught, He never once forgot the precious pledge The Boy had made. But never saw nor heard Aught of his friend. Then he was sent away By Pilate's call, unto Jerusalem.

The evening of the day when he arrived Great turmoil swept along the Jaffa road, And near the Gate of Gardens, where the hill Called Calvary lifted up its rocky head. He heard the crowds discuss a Wonder-Man The priests had taken, and was on His way To judgment. "Out on such a King," cried one, Himself He can not save from shameful death. To-morrow's sun will see Him lifted up Above the hill, and throw the Shadow of A Cross upon you fools who thought Him King."

And on the faces dark of all around, Fidus saw Hate he could not understand. Then up a vision rose of Nazareth When evening fell; a Boy of beauty rare, With a strange Shadow on His lovely face, Standing with arms outstretched in prayer, The glory of the setting sun upon His head. But long and grim the shadow of a Cross Before Him as He stood. Then to his mind Came swift the stories of the mighty King, And then the promise: "Thou shalt build His throne."