The Disciple

He that hath a Gospel To loose upon Mankind, Though he serve it utterly-- Body, soul and mind-- Though he go to Calvary Daily for its gain-- It is His Disciple Shall make his labour vain. He that hath a Gospel For all earth to own-- Though he etch it on the steel, Or carve it on the stone-- Not to be misdoubted Through the after-days-- It is His Disciple Shall read it many ways. It is His Disciple (Ere Those Bones are dust ) Who shall change the Charter, Who shall split the Trust-- Amplify distinctions, Rationalize the Claim; Preaching that the Master Would have done the same. It is His Disciple Who shall tell us how Much the Master would have scrapped Had he lived till now-- What he would have modified Of what he said before. It is His Disciple Shall do this and more.... He that hath a Gospel Whereby Heaven is won ( Carpenter, or cameleer, Or Maya's dreaming son ), Many swords shall pierce Him, Mingling blood with gall; But His Own Disciple Shall wound Him worst of all!