Classic Poem

PARABLE LIII.

The Necessity of Forecast.

Christ to the multitude, that press'd
Around him, thus himself address'd,
‘They that affect the gospel-life,
‘And hate not father, mother, wife,
‘With brethren, sisters, children, all
‘That they their property can call,
‘Yea, who shall not ev'n life decline
‘In my behalf, cannot be mine.
‘And who do not their cross sustain,
‘And follow me in woes and pain,
‘Cannot with my disciples band:
‘For which of you shall take in hand
‘To raise the structure of a tow'r,
‘And not first estimate his pow'r,
‘If he can with convenience spare
‘The cost to bring the whole to bear;
‘Lest, haply, after he has made
‘Th'attempt, and his foundation laid,
‘And cannot his design defray,
‘The people see, and mocking say,
‘This builder with a tow'r began,
‘But could not execute his plan
‘Or what king, who would war declare
‘Against his foe, does not take care,
‘And sit him down and weigh the case,
‘If with ten thousand he can face
‘A king full twenty thousand strong:
‘Else while his armies march along,
‘He sends an embassage to sue
‘For peace, and its conditions too
‘So none but who himself contents
‘To give up all at all events,
‘Can ever my disciple be—
‘Then mark the end, and follow me.’