The people would make Him king

Five Thousand Men fed. Jesus walketh on the Sea.

(The Gospel History, from Sections 62 and 63)

When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world.

Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, straightway constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitudes away.

The people would make Him king

(The Saviour of the World, Vol IV, Book I, Poem V)

“Here’s of a truth that Prophet of the Lord
Moses foretold should lead the folk like him,
Like him, give bread to spare in the wilderness!”
So spake all they who heard what Christ had done:
Full well they spake; who knows to open wide
Men’s mouths with hunger, knows straightway to drop
Food that shall animate or fainting flesh,
Or heart sunk low in courage; to give new life
To all the failing goodness of a soul,—
He, Prophet of the World! the One who sees,—
Knows all the needs of men, and ministers!

“This Prophet be our King!” they cry them hoarse,
Allured by the hope of bread for men spread thick
As manna in the barren wilderness!
What need to labour? All should sit at ease;
His bread provided, each himself should please!
“Why, what’s a King for but his people’s bread
To furnish, liberal, constant: this is He!
Unwilling, He hangs back, but we are strong,
The many people, sure, may make their King!”
And hot, impetuous, by one impulse moved,
They came perforce to seize and make Him King!
The disciples stood exultant, from their eyes
Encouragement spake out; all the mad crowd
Knew them supported by these grave good men.

St. Matthew xiv. 22.
St. Mark vi. 45.
St. John vi. 14, 15.