Tune: Highwood
(\'Hark, what a sound, and too divine for hearing\')
Matthew 11 v.7-14
********
Jesus said, People, what went you out into
Wilderness to see? Was it unto you
As a reed shaken with the wind? But what went
You out there to see? My messenger sent?
Did you expect to see man in rich clothing?
Behold, they such into palaces bring
But what went you out for to see? A prophet?
Yes, John [Baptist] a prophet, and he be more yet
For this is he, of whom it is written, see
Behold, I send my messenger ready
Before your face, which shall prepare you way, he
Goes ahead of Christ, the forerunner be
Truly, I say to you, among then that are
Born of women, there not be one by far
Who is greater than Joh the Baptist, but see
Least in kingdom of God [is] greater than he
And from the days of John the Baptist until
Now the kingdom of God suffers ill-will
And the violent take it by force, though John be
Second Elijah, fulfills prophecy