What do I hear say, or conceive men say,

'Was John at all, and did he say he saw?

Assure us, ere we ask what he might see!'

"Is this indeed a burden for late days,

And may I help to bear it with you all,

Using my weakness which becomes your strength?

For if a babe were born inside this grot,

Grew to a boy here, heard us praise the sun,

Yet had but yon sole glimmer in light's place,—

One loving him and wishful he should learn,