6  
WHY JESUS WEPT. 
The courteous eld, the agéd seneschal. 
On bended knee “ Sir Percy ! ” he doth call 
To the young boy, and voweth service true. 
Whereat he started, spurning at the thrall ; 
But then the orphan truth he inward knew, 
And on the iron ground his sobbing body threw. 
 
It was a weary while before they raised him. 
Boy as he was, none dare disturb his grief. 
And for his grief was strong, they loved and praised him 
For son’s devotion to their dear dead chief. 
Long, long he wept, nor brought with tears relief. 
He knew the loss, the old head wise and grey 
Well to assoil him of his spirit’s grief, 
The twilight dangers of a boy’s dim way, 
His dragons to confront, his minotaurs to slay. 
 
Yet, when he knew himself the baronet, 
He took good order for the house, and bore 
Him as beseemed the master ; none may fret 
All are as well bestowed as aye before. 
His father’s eighty was with him fourscore. 
His father’s old advisers well he groups 
Into a closer company ; their lore 
He ardently acquires — he loops no loops, 
But — Bacon — grapples them to’s soul, with steely hoops ! 
 
You, lass, may see here for this Boy’s companions 
Virtue and Peace of Mind, Prudence, Respect,