Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/255

 REDEMPTION. 249

Seeth, hiss, roar, boil, and dire destruction spread; Or, as wild beasts, a moment held at bay, Restless, with bloodshot eyes, and foaming jaws, Their panting sides lash with their frenzied tails; But once released, impetuous shake the plain, And rush with frightful roarings to the fray. So these, as soon as Caiphas ceased, brutal With wrath, the angry contest wage against The lowly Nazarene; his life defame, Mistate his teachings, base malign his deeds, Impute to magic, or the pow'rs of hell ; Attribute doctrines false, then easy rend, And make him minister of every ill. The prince of darkness fann'd the kindling flames, With malice fed, and urged the wordy war; Till one arose, a Doctor of the Law, Renown'd for wisdom, love of justice, truth; Whom now to hear, the strife awhile surceased. Calm was his aspect, venerable his mien. Deliberate his speech, as age became :

" Wise men of Israel, learned in the Law, If aught in former times, I have deserved Of deference from your ear, me now attend. Let no unseemly passion stir to blind Your riper reason, or your sense obtund; For I, your keenest judgment, clearest sense, Collected wisdom, and forbearance, need. Distasteful should my cause be to your ear, Bear with me gently ; if not for its sake, Yet for my years, who Israel's welfare strive. Remember too our fundamental law
 * To judge with equity, and first to hear,

21*

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