John 18:31, 3: The Jews... said unto him, It is not, &c

A criminal they could not doom,
They might an innocent release,
Permitted by imperious Rome
To hear and try the witnesses;
But lo the rage of Jewish zeal
Conspires with Roman policy,
Thy sure prediction to fulfil,
And nail their Saviour to the tree.

And shall Thy followers complain
Who in Thy steps profess to go,
Condemn'd by rash oppressive man,
Entreated like Thyself below?
Or rather patiently receive
The treatment which confirms us Thine,
And when pronounced unfit to live
Our spirits on Thy cross resign!