The Stone-Throwers.
What can we say to those who deem it right1
To hurl Love’s very teaching as a blow2
At lives too used to all Love’s patient woe
?3
Who wrest God’s word to serve their private spite,4
And secretly, like brigands in the night,5
Steal up behind, and let their missiles fly
!6
Who, prating “charity” to Lust and Lie,7
Still judge as evil aught above their sight,8
Nor pause for question. May God pity such !9
For when the glory of His kingdom shines,10
How they will weep to see the wrongs they wrought11
Unto the altar of His temple brought !12
—Yet may this thought their hearts with comfort touch,13
The stones which slew the martyrs built their shrines !14