Classic Poem

The Disciples pluck the Ears of Corn on the Sabbath-day

Christ Jesus on a certain morn
Went through a field of standing corn;
This happen'd on the Sabbath-day,
And his disciples on the way
Were hungry, and began to eat
From the rubb'd ears the ripen'd wheat.
The Pharisees, when this they saw,
Said, thy disciples break the law,
And on the Sabbath act amiss;
But he his answer made to this,
‘What, have ye never read the place,
‘How David did in such a case,
‘As he was hungry, with the band,
‘That then was under his command,
‘How to the house of God he sped,
‘And from the altar took the bread,
‘That bread not ever lawful known
‘To eat but for the priests alone?
‘Or have ye not read this at least,
‘That in the temple every priest
‘May still the Sabbath-day profane,
‘And yet in innocence remain?
‘But to you all it shall appear,
‘One greater than the temple's here
‘And had ye known what this implies,
‘I mercy choose, not sacrifice,
‘Ye had been tempted to relent,
‘And not condemn'd the innocent:
‘For, know, the Son of Man bears sway
‘Ev'n sov'reign of the Sabbath-day’