 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
John
What went ye out to see? a shaken reed?In him whose voice proclaims “prepare the way”;
Behold the oak that stormy centuries feed!
Though but the buried acorn of my day;
What went ye out to see? a kingly man?
In the soft garments clothed that ye have worn;
Behold a servant whom the hot suns tan,
His raiment from the rough-haired camel torn!
Ye seek ye know not what; blind children all,
Who each his idle fancy will demand;
Nor heed my true-sent prophet's warning call,
That you may learn of me the new command;
And see the Light that cometh down from heaven,
Repent! and see, while yet its light is given.
Poem No. 781; late 1838–early 1839
| Jones Very : The Complete Poems | |