How didst thou start, Thou Holy Baptist, bid + 

To pour repentance on the Sinless Brow! + 

Then all thy meekness, from thy hearers hid, + 

Beneath the Ascetic’s port, and Preacher’s fire, + 

Flow’d forth, and with a pang thou didst desire + 

He might be chief, not thou. + 

And so on us at whiles it falls, to claim + 

Powers that we dread, or dare some forward part; + 

Nor must we shrink as cravens from the blame + 

Of pride, in common eyes, or purpose deep; + 

But with pure thoughts look up to God, and keep + 

Our secret in our heart. + 