Classic Poem

PARABLE LXIX

The Temple of the Lord's Body.

When Christ had purg'd his house of sin,
And those that sold and bought therein,
The Jews requir'd a sign to see
To warrant his authority.
‘Lay (says the Lord) this temple waste,
‘In three days it shall be replac'd.’
'Twas six and forty years, they cry,
Ere this house rear'd its head so high;
Shall three days cause the like event?
But he his blessed body meant.
?The Lord did usually refuse
Such satisfaction to the Jews.
Nor is there any sign, ev'n here,
But that of Jonas, it is clear.
Yet from this place th' accusers built
Their hopes to tax the Lord with guilt,
Because they knew nor word, nor cause,
Nor what he spake, nor who he was.