Flocking to the Temple
See the priests assemble
Where a child expounds
What the wise confounds.
All the scribes and sages
Quit their dog’s-eared pages;
Spell-bound by his sense
And his eloquence.
Speaking without bias,
He reviewed Elias;
Said the dogs did well,
Eating Jezebel.
Just as he disposes
Of the Law and Moses,
Mary came in haste--
Caught him to her breast:
‘We have sought thee’ saying--
Chid him for delaying.
Then without demur
He went back with her.
Those he was amazing
Straightway broke out praising;
Calling him a mild,
Nicely brought-up child.
Teach me, gentle Saviour,
Such discreet behaviour
That my elders be
Always pleased with me.