205. Christ and the Pagan

I HAD no God but these,

The sacerdotal Trees,

And they uplifted me.

‘I hung upon a Tree.’

The sun and moon I saw,

And reverential awe

Subdued me day and night.

‘I am the perfect Light.’

Within a lifeless Stone—

All other gods unknown—

I sought Divinity.

‘The Corner-Stone am I.’

For sacrificial feast,

I slaughtered man and beast,

Red recompense to gain.

‘So I, a Lamb, was slain.

‘Yea; such My hungering Grace

That wheresoe’er My face

Is hidden, none may grope

Beyond eternal Hope.’