His friends heard it

Beelzebub. Of Blasphemy, and of Words.

(The Gospel History, Section 92)

And when his friends heard it, they went out to lay hold on him, for they said, He is beside himself.

His friends heard it

(The Saviour of the World, Vol VI Book III Poem XXX)

Now, who are these of mien distraught,

Pallid with fear, in angry heat

Urging their way to Him they sought,

Unchecked by claim of reverence, meet

For any Rabbi? “Nay,” they cry;

“Heed not His words! We know him well;

Our father’s Son doth law defy

And scorn the Heads of Israel;

Say we not well, He is possessed?

A man beside himself behaves

’Gainst the law, nor fears arrest;

Blasphemeth He? ’Tis that He raves!

Would any judge the man condemn,

Beside himself, for reckless speech?

His brethren, sisters—think of them

He draws within the Law’s far reach!

See you, my Masters, we’re concerned

To save Him from a traitor’s death;

Within the hour, we haply learned

The priests intend to take His breath

By Israel’s, or, by Roman law;

Nay, an ye love Him, let Him go

Hence free, by reason of that flaw

In judgment, hinders that He know

What things be prudent. Testify

To the rulers, if ye friendly be,

Ye heard Him speaking recklessly

Words might condemn Him, sane were He!”

The Lord, spake He a word, or, meek, allowed
These urgent men to dominate the crowd?

St. Mark iii. 21.

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