The Pillars of the Choir: St Matthew

Nor Pharisaic school, nor harness'd train
Of Roman state, nor pow'r, nor thoughtful gain,
Nor breezy lake, where circling mountains rise,
Nor Lebanon's snowy top in summer skies,
Could to thy longing eyes afford repose,
Good Levi, till they found the Man of woes !

Beneath thy lowly roof I see Him come,
An honour'd guest ; the Pharisee's stem gloom
Sitting aloof, — in calm and humble gaze
The Galilean twelve, — th' half-pleas'd amaze
Of Publicans, — and mourning Eremite
Shrinking apart : yet seen, or out of sight,
Manifold words of wisdom find them out,
And in each heart an eye that looks throughout.

But, lo, again his hospitable store
Levi prepares, unfolding wide the door
Of His blest Gospel, 'neath whose sacred roof
All may behold the Christ, and learn by proof.
E'en now, as then, within each secret soul
An eye is found ; seek we or shun control,
All see the Son of Man ; each doth invest
His form with hues deep drawn from His own breast.