Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882). Complete Poetical Works. 1893.
Christus: A MysteryPart I. The Divine Tragedy. The Third Passover. IV. The Garden of Gethsemane
Even unto death! Tarry ye here and watch.
Its broad centennial branches like a tent,
Let us lie down and rest.
That glimmer on Brook Kedron there below us?
Go out to meet the bridegroom.
The struggles of this day have overcome me.
Oh let this cup pass from me! Nevertheless
Not as I will, but as thou wilt, be done!
What! could ye not watch with me for one hour?
Oh watch and pray, that ye may enter not
Into temptation. For the spirit indeed
Is willing, but the flesh is weak!
It is for sorrow that our eyes are heavy.—
I see again the glimmer of those torches
Among the olives; they are coming hither.
Surely they come not hither.
If this cup may not pass away from me,
Except I drink of it, thy will be done.
Sleep on; and take your rest!
Alas! we know not what to answer thee!
It is for sorrow that our eyes are heavy.—
Behold, the torches now encompass us.
Seeking for some one, or for something lost.
Except I drink of it, thy will be done.
It is enough! Behold, the Son of Man
Hath been betrayed into the hands of sinners!
The hour is come. Rise up, let us be going;
For he that shall betray me is at hand.
Great drops of blood are falling to the ground!
Upon the swords and armor of these men?
And there among them Judas Iscariot!
That take the sword shall perish with the sword.
The cup my Father hath given me to drink,
Shall I not drink it? Think’st thou that I cannot
Pray to my Father, and that He shall give me
More than twelve legions of angels presently?
Whom seek ye?
Are ye come hither as against a thief,
With sword and staves to take me? When I daily
Was with you in the Temple, ye stretched forth
No hands to take me! But this is your hour,
And this the power of darkness. If ye seek
Me only, let these others go their way.