Whilst Joseph leads the patient beast and slow,
That bears the weight of Mary and her Son,
O'er rugged steeps, o'er barren plains they go
Through wildernesses, till the day is done,
Till 'neath the western wave hath set the sun.
Then, rest — till morning her bright face doth show;
Then, on again — their weary race is run.
They pass where stand in pride the Idols: lo,
A crash is heard. In sudden ruin all
Before the Sacred Infant headlong fall.
Dog-faced Anubis, Isis, too, the call,
The silent call obey; that given is now
By the Child-Saviour's mighty presence. How
Doth joy celestial sit on Joseph's brow,
While the meek Mother clasps her precious One.