Their sympathies clung round him every day afresh.
“Without our teacher we’re a pastorless poor flock;
Blind beggars without staff to guide us to our nook.
For mercy’s sake, for love of God, have pity now;
No longer us deprive of consolation’s show.
We’re infants all, and thou our feeder, tutor thou,
Protection shed around; forsake us not just now.”
His answer was: “My spirit’s present with you, friends.
But issue from this hermitage my power transcends.”245
The captains twelve, of legions, intercession made;