Classic Poem

PARABLE XXXIV.

The Children in the Market-Place

To what (says Christ the prince of grace)
Shall I compare this froward race?
What are they like in word and way?
They're like to little folk at play,
Which in the market-place commun'd
With one another, ‘We have tun'd
‘Our pipes, and ye no measure kept,
‘We've mourned, and ye have not wept.’
For, first, the way John Baptist lead,
Not drinking wine, nor eating bread,
And you all cry'd, he was possess'd.
The Son of Man became your guest,
And him to reprobate ye join,
‘Behold, a glutton, giv'n to wine,
‘Of publicans and vice the friend.’
But wisdom's children shall defend
Their parent working various ways,
And bring her off for endless praise.