244 REDEMPTION.
But there the doubt hangs, and iny mind suspends."
Thus far his musings led, with inward strife 'Twixt bad and worse, nor semblance held of good, When Satan opportune the moment seized To front the felon, quite resolve of doubts, His passions stimulate, and tempt his greed. Seeming a grave old man, with reverend beard, And form inclined, supported by a staff, He cross'd his path, and ready this advanced :
" Thoughts cloth'd in words and given to the winds, As thine a moment since, are past recall, And may, with harsh recoil, break his own head, Who utters, or redound to weal, suppose He wisdom hath to profit by their vent. To choose concerns thee now, as thou shalt learn. This sign informs thee, I of Bethdin am ; W T hither my feet direct me through this vale. I, who thou art, ask not, to whom thy speech O'erheard, betrayeth of the Nazarene; One of the Twelve it seems, who bears the bag, And not unwilling to increase thy store. Prime chance for thee advenes, and pelf, well worth Thy seeking, proffer'd is, with honors high, That well might tempt to boldest venture, Him, who the state would serve, now sore distraught, And Jewry further save from this Man's brawls. These then the terms that him shall gage, who doth This Nazarene betray ; nor deem the pledge Transcends their pow'r, who promise, to bestow. High shall he be exalt, who these subserves, With badge emblazoned on his lofty brow; His fame all peoples learn, all times extend;
�� �
