REDEMPTION.
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��Great fear oppress'd me, chill' d my shrinking form, My hair made horrent, and my bones did shake. Whilst thus I lay, helpless with terror, bound, Still wond'ring what the vision might portend, And suff'ring much, the spectral horror said ' Beware, have naught to do with that just Man. "
The fearful message, Pilate's mind disturbed, Already by demotic clamor vex'd, And turning tow'rds the mild, deific Man, Him, half deriding, half in doubt, besought :
"Art thou, as these now charge, King of the Jews?"
To whom the Seed of David : " Thou hast said." Then held his peace, nor to th' accusing voice Of priests or ancients, more vouchsafed reply.
To whom the gov'nor thus : " Dost thou not hear What testimonies they against thee bring ?"
But he, as sheep when to the slaughter led, Or as a lamb, before his shearers dumb, Oped not his mouth, but silent them withstood ; Not haughty, sullen, nor with look austere, As criminal with stern, defiant brow; But bland, sedate, with dignity of mien, Conscious of innocence, and void of guile. His aspect moved the pity of his judge, Who knew the motives which th' accusers urged, But fear'd to shield him from their stubborn wrath ; And yet, resolved by stratagem to try, Some plausible pretext to let him go. His public fame he knew without reproach, And large beneficence, that round him drew The multitudes, diseased, distress'd and poor, Whom he had heal'd, fed, comforted and bless'd.
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