This year has tens of thousands springs; but not one night.”70
Thus loudly cried the infant from its bed of flame.
Th’ assembled crowds all heard it. All were seized with shame.
A sudden holy impulse urged them to obey.
In crowds those men and women cast their lives away.
No force was needed;—no compulsion;—all was love;
For bitterness is sweet to all whom love doth move.
To such a point it came that guards and soldiers, all,
Were fain to cry: “Withhold! The fire is more than full!”
The Jewish king at sight of all this love and zeal,