See how spite cankers things. These words aright Was ever grief like mine? They choose a murderer, and all agree For it was their own cause who killed me: Was ever grief like mine? And a seditious murderer he was: But I the Prince of Peace; peace that doth pass All understanding, more than heaven doth glass: Was ever grief like mine? Why, Cæsar is their only King, not I: He clave the stony rock, when they were dry; Was ever grief like mine? Ah, how they scourge me! yet my tenderness Was ever grief like mine? They buffet me, and box me as they list, Was ever grief like mine? Behold, they spit on me in scornful wise; Who with my spittle gave the blind man eyes, Leaving his blindness to mine enemies : Was ever grief like mine? My face they cover, though it be divine. Lest on their double-dark souls either shine: Was ever grief like mine? Servants and abjects flout me; they are witty: Was ever grief like mine? And now I am deliver'd unto death, Which each one calls for so with utmost breath, That he before me well-nigh suffereth : Was ever grief like mine? Weep not, dear friends, since I for both have wept, When all my tears were blood, the while you slept : Your tears for your own fortunes should be kept: Was ever grief like mine? The soldiers lead me to the common hall; Was ever grief like mine? Then with a scarlet robe they me array; Was ever grief like mine? Then on my head a crown of thorns I wear; So sits the earth's great curse in Adam's fall Upon my head; so I remove it all From th' earth unto my brows, and bear the thrall : Was ever grief like mine? Then with the reed they gave to me before, They strike my head, the rock from whence all store Of heavenly blessings issue evermore : Was ever grief like mine? They bow their knees to me, and cry, Hail, King: Whatever scoffs or scornfulness can bring, I am the floor, the sink, where they it fling: Was ever grief like mine? Yet since man's sceptres are as frail as reeds, Was ever grief like mine? The soldiers also spit upon that face Which Angels did desire to have the grace, Thus trimmed, forth they bring me to the rout, They lead me in once more, and putting then Was ever grief like mine? And now weary of sport, glad to engross Was ever grief like mine? My cross I bear myself, until I faint : O all Was ever grief like mine? ye who pass by, behold and see: Man stole the fruit, but I must climb the tree; Was ever grief like mine? Lo, here I hang, charged with a world of sin, Was ever grief like mine? Such sorrow, as if sinful man could feel, But, O my God, my God! why leavest thou me, My God, my God Never was grief like mine. Shame tears my soul, my body many a wound; Sharp nails pierce this, but sharper that confound ; Reproaches, which are free, while I am bound: Was ever grief like mine? Now heal thyself, Physician; now come down. And Father's smile for you, to feel his frown: Was ever grief like mine? In healing not myself, there doth consist Was ever grief like mine? Betwixt two thieves I spend my utmost breath, Alas! what have I stolen from you? death: Was ever grief like mine? A king my title is, prefix'd on high ; Yet by my subjects I'm condemn'd to die Was ever grief like mine? They gave me vinegar mingled with gall, Was ever grief like mine? They part my garments, and by lot dispose Was ever grief like mine? Nay, after death their spite shall further go; Was ever grief like mine? |