254 REDEMPTION.
So, later, in the taxing Sadduc rose,
From whom the Sadducees derive their name,
Tumultuous rose, with rapine, slaughter, fire
And sword ; nor spared the temple, but consumed
With sacrilegious brands; and all as now,
Under the plea of public weal misled.
So Amram, Eleazar, Tholomy,
Were left by our demur, to flesh their hordes,
And batten on the lambs of Israel's fold.
Thus now this Nazarene, with bold attempt,
Doth us assail, our priesthood, office, troth ;
Nor do we know to what pass this may come,
If our connivance let him persevere,
And we no hindrance bar to his defect.
Yet should we now assail with open force,
What hath so long been left accretive grow,
Some dire result I fear will supervene,
Sedition, slaughter, internecine war ;
More to be fear'd than famine, pestilence,
Or the destroying angel's vengeful sword.
Some secret toil must then, I ween, be set,
By which entrapp'd, from threat'ning crowds withdrawn,
We him, perforce dragg'd from his lair, may bring
Before us ; try by willing witnesses,
Suborn'd; convict, and so condemn to death.
Nor yet discretion waive, but cautious move ;
Your deepest thought apply, lest tumult rise,
With detriment to state and solemn Pasch.
Ye see how frequent swarm his partisans,
By our high suff'rance now audacious grown.
Whate'er result this solemn council crowns,
Action should instant follow firm resolve."
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