‘If any one should come this way,
And inquire for me alone,
Tell them that Jesus passèd by,
As thou thy seed did sow.
XXIV
‘After that there came King Herod,
With his train so furiously,
Inquiring of the husbandman,
Whether Jesus passèd by.
XXV
‘Why, the truth it must be spoke,
And the truth it must be known,
For Jesus passèd by this way
When my seed was sown.
XXVI
‘But now I have it reapen,
And some laid on my wain,
Ready to fetch and carry
Into my barn again.
XXVII
‘Turn back, says the Captain,
Your labour and mine’s in vain,
It’s full three-quarters of a year
Since he his seed has sown.