University of Virginia Library

1838.

[He must unjust or cruel seem]

This they said tempting Him, that they, &c. —viii. 6.

He must unjust or cruel seem,
The sinner or the law condemn,
Mercy or truth offend,
His zeal, or His compassion show:
Absolve her? He is virtue's foe,
And sin's acknowledged friend.
The serpent speaks in guileful men,
He tempts us first to sin, and then
Accuses those that yield:
But Jesus he in vain assay'd,
That Bruiser of the serpent's head
His blunted tools repell'd.