W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.

John the Baptist

Frederick W. H. Myers (1843–1901)

ALSO of John a calling and a crying

Rang in Bethabara till strength was spent,

Cared not for counsel, stayed not for replying,

John had one message for the world—Repent.

John, than which man a sadder or a greater

Not till this day has been of woman born;

John, like some iron peak by the Creator

Fired with the red glow of the rushing morn.

Thus, when the sun shall rise and overcome it;

Stands in his shining desolate and bare,

Yet not the less the inexorable summit

Flamed him his signal to the upper air.