V.
“And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith: And He was numbered with the transgressors.”
—Mark xv. 28.
“For He hath made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.”—2 Cor. v. 21.
O Justice! where art thou? Is this thy law?
That One who never sinned in word or deed
Should be adjudged as guilty, and should bleed
Upon a murderer's cross? How couldst thou draw
On Him thy sword, whose life was without flaw,
Or suffer Death his warrant to exceed,
Where sin was not, sin's penalty and meed
Inflicting, while the heavens astonished saw?
“My sword was drawn, my arm was raised to smite
To endless pain, the guilty; but the blow
Mercy so turned aside, and made it light
Upon that Spotless Innocence: 'twas She
Who caused that Victim's sacred blood to flow,
Unbarred the gates of Death, and set his captives free.”
