Nor this the sole command by Christ then given
To His disciples, loved unto the last,
At that sad meeting, when the Lord of Heaven
Beheld death’s awful hour approaching fast,
The cross—the anguish which all mortal woe surpassed;
When He surveyed His small devoted band,
And all that He for them would suffer knew,
The Saviour breathed that heavenly command,
That bond of union to His faithful few,
“Love one another e’en as I have loved you.”