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

James and John

John Henry Newman (1801–1890)

TWO brothers freely cast their lot

With David’s royal Son;

The cost of conquest counting not,

They deem the battle won.

Brothers in heart, they hope to gain

An undivided joy,

That man may one with man remain,

As boy was one with boy.

Christ heard, and will’d that James should fall

First prey of Satan’s rage;

John linger out his fellows all,

And die in bloodless age.

Now they join hands once more above,

Before the Conqueror’s throne;

Thus God grants prayer, but in His love

Makes times and ways His own.