John Bannister Tabb

1845-1909 / the United States

Ad Bestias

Ye have the power to lift us higher.
The Prodigal among the swine
Refound the pearl cast forth in mire,
The wisdom lost in wine.
And he, the outcast of the East-
The lord of luxury, discrowned-
Again the dawn of reason found
In darkness of the beast.
Aye, when a Babe He laid Him down
Among the beasts in Bethlehem,
Of brutal power He gave to them
To forge the Martyr's crown.
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