The mission—The third Two

(The Saviour of the World, Vol III Book IV Poem XLVI)

A blind man at the city gate
Begged alms begrudged,—ah, wretched fate!
The Two just entered stood and gazed;
Soon gathered there a crowd, amazed
That any should regard the sight
Of man, deprived of heaven’s light!
The Two conceived the poor man’s state,
And understanding, pity, great,
Melted their hearts: they spake His Name
To witness of whose grace they came:—
“In name of Jesus, ope thine eyes!”
The folk await what comes; surprise
And mocking insolence contend
In every mind,—“Why, here’s a friend
Worth having, if His name suffice
To open blind eyes in a trice!”
But, see, the man first looks around—
Gone mad with sight, leaps from the ground!
A radiant joy his face illumes,
Air of a free man he assumes,
He sees and looks and looks and sees
Men’s faces, branches in the breeze;
The blessed sun, all life’s sweet shows;—
Then, grateful, falls at feet of those
Conferred inestimable boon
And made him see! The people soon
Pressed close; recovered of amaze,
Fixed on the Two their ardent gaze,
And listened long and learnèd well,
What those Apostles had to tell.
“Nay, leave us not thus soon,” they cried,
“Within our city’s walls abide
Till many hear the wondrous news
Ye bring of Him, the Christ.” “Refuse
Not shelter of a poor man’s roof!”
Cried one till then had stood aloof:
They went with him and there remained
For many days, and still explained
Such mysteries of the Kingdom as they knew;
And many sick they healed and great signs did they do.