Robert Browning

“ Faggots no few, blocks great and small,
Reach a man's mid-thigh, no less, no more,—
For they mean he should roast in the sight of all.
CHORUS.
We mean he should roast in the sight of all.
IV
Good sappy bavins that kindle forthwith;
Billets that blaze substantial and slow;
Pine-stump split deftly, dry as pith;
Larch-heart that chars to a chalk-white glow:
They up they hoist me John in a chafe,
Sling him fast like a hog to scorch,
Spit in his face, then leap back safe,
Sing "Laudes" and bid clap-to the torch.
CHORUS.
Laus deo—who bids clap-to the torch. ”

“ PREADMONISHETH THE ABBOT DEODAET.
The Lord, we look to once for all,
Is the Lord we should look at, all at once:
He knows not to vary, saith Saint Paul,
Nor the shadow of turning, for the nonce.
See him no other than as he is! ”

“ Jesus Christ—John had bought and sold,
Jesus Christ—John had eaten and drunk;
To him, the Flesh meant silver and gold.
(Salvā reverentiā.)
Now it was, "Saviour, bountiful lamb,
"I have roasted thee Turks, though men roast me!
"See thy servant, the plight wherein I am!
"Art thou a saviour? Save thou me!"
CHORUS.
'Tis John the mocker cries, "Save thou me!"
VII
Who maketh God's menace an idle word? ”