THE SACRIFICE. O all ye, who pass by, whose eyes and mind The Princes of my people make a head Was ever grief like mine? Without me each one, who doth now me brave, Was ever grief like mine? Mine own Apostle, who the bag did bear, Was ever grief like mine? For thirty pence he did my death devise, Not half so sweet as my sweet sacrifice : Was ever grief like mine? Therefore my soul melts, and my heart's dear treasure Drops blood (the only beads) my words to measure : O let this cup pass, if it be thy pleasure : Was ever grief like mine? These drops being temper'd with a sinner's tears, Was ever grief like mine? Yet my Disciples sleep: I cannot gain One hour of watching; but their drowsy brain Arise, arise, they come! Was ever grief like mine? Look how they run! Alas! what haste they make to be undone ! How with their lanterns do they seek the sun! Was ever grief like mine? With clubs and staves they seek me, as a thief, Judas, dost thou betray me with a kiss? Was ever grief like mine? See, they lay hold on me, not with the hands All my Disciples fly; fear puts a bar Betwixt my friends and me. They leave the star, That brought the wise men of the East from far : Was ever grief like mine? Then from one ruler to another bound They lead me urging, that it was not sound Comments would the text confound. The Priests and Rulers all false witness seek And ready Paschal Lamb of this great week: Was ever grief like mine? Then they accuse me of great blasphemy, Who never thought that any robbery : Was ever grief like mine? Some said, that I the Temple to the floor In three days razed, and raised as before. Why, he that built the world can do much more: Was ever grief like mine? Then they condemn me all with that same breath, Was ever grief like mine? They bind, and lead me unto Herod he Was ever grief like mine? Herod and all his bands do set me light, Was ever grief like mine? Herod in judgment sits, while I do stand; Was ever grief like mine? The Jews accuse me with despitefulness; Was ever grief like mine? I answer nothing, but with patience prove Was ever grief like mine? My silence rather doth augment their cry; Was ever grief like mine? Hark how they cry aloud still, Crucify: Was ever grief like mine? Pilate a stranger holdeth off; but they, With noises confused frighting the day: Was ever grief like mine? Yet still they shout, and cry, and stop their ears, 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? |