Matthew 27:12: When He was accused of the chief priests, &c

When maliciously they seek
Occasion to accuse,
Urged by clamorous foes to speak,
We lawfully refuse:
Innocence with generous scorn
May envious accusation slight,
Silence is the just return
To impotent despite.
Speechless the Saviour stood
Beneath my guilty load,
He answer'd not, for I
Have nothing to reply:
But when condemn'd and dumb
I before God become,
His mouth is open'd then for me.
His blood proclaims the sinner free.