Classic Poem

PARABLE LXV.

Tribute payable to Cæsar

The Pharisees did council take,
How they might trap him, as he spake;
And to the Lord their sect'ries sent,
With Herod's crew, to that intent,
Who said, ‘We know that thou art true,
‘And teachest us God's work to do
‘In truth, nor dost thou stand in fear
‘Of any man, or rank revere;
‘We, therefore, would that thou declare
‘What is thy thought in this affair,
‘Is it a lawful thing to pay
‘To Cæsar tribute or gain-say?’
But Christ their craft did instant see;
‘Ye hypocrites, why tempt ye me?
‘Let me the tribute-money view.’
A penny to the Lord they shew—
‘Whose superscription and whose head
‘Is on this piece of coin?’ he said.
They answer, It is Cæsar's face
And title. Then the Prince of grace,
‘To Cæsar Cæsar's things assign,
‘And to the Deity divine.’