And shall perfect the work I but began.

What matter, therefore, if my word to-day

Falls on unwilling ears, finds few to praise?

Since some mere child, in his incipient days,

That word may win to walk a prophet’s way?

And he, of greater gift, more favored state,

Shall speak to thousands where I speak to one:

Shall do the work that I would fain have done;

Helped to that fortune at my lonely gate.

Perchance some Saul of Tarsus, hating me,