Why Jesus Wept

18 WHY JESUS WEPT. None, not the wisest, may foretell. I fear A moment’s mischief may destroy these years Of grave solicitude, their work. This boy Thinks his grey father dead. These words (tapping a letter) shall speak Even from the tomb. These words shall be obeyed By force of ancient habit : these give me Supreme authority to exercise By stealth, not overt till the hour be come When madness seats herself upon the lad, And he turn serpent on his friends. But no ! There is too strong a discipline of sense, Too cool a brain, too self-controlled a heart : — Well, we shall see. Turns to his books. SCENE V SIR PERCY PERCIVALE, on Wastwater. God, I have rowed ! My hands are one blister ; By arms are one ache ; But my brain is a fire, As erst on the fell, In the hall ; let me dive To the under-abode, Where the sweet-voiced sister