Chapter 3 The Crowning with Thorns

And the time passed.

The child sat by himself upon the beach,

While Joseph's barge freighted with heavy wood,

Bound homewards, slowly labored thro' the calm.

And, as he watched the long waves swell and break,

Run glistening to his feet, and sink again,

Three children, and then two, with each an arm

Around the other, throwing up their songs,

Such happy songs as only children know,

Came by the place where Jesus sat alone.

But, when they saw his thoughtful face, they ceased,

And, looking at each other, drew near him;

While one who had upon his head a wreath

Of hawthorn flowers, and in his hand a reed,

Put these both from him, saying, "Here is one

Whom you shall all prefer instead of me

To be our king;" and then he placed the wreath

On Jesus' brow, who meekly bowed his head.

And, when he took the reed, the children knelt,

And cast their simple offerings at his feet:

And, almost wondering why they loved him so,

Kissed him with reverence, promising to yield

Grave fealty. And Jesus did return

Their childish salutations; and they passed

Singing another song, whose music chimed

With the sea's murmur, like a low sweet chant

Chanted in some wide church to Jesus Christ.

And Jesus listened till their voices sank

Behind the jutting rocks, and died away:

Then the wave broke, and Jesus felt alone.

Who being alone, on his fair countenance

And saddened beauty all unlike a child's

The sun of innocence did light no smile,

As on the group of happy faces gone.