About the market place at dawn
Where seldom passed a wary ear,
There stood a man amongst the fray –
His hair shone white, his eyes gleamed clear.

His form erect did on the mound
Preside his ministry each day;
His aged lips did gospels speak
His ancient voice the Word did say.

The layman to the crowds did preach,
He questioned them with teaching pure –
He begged the masses to repent,
He fought with ignorance to cure.

Confronted cruelty and despair,
Awoke compassion through his word,
But as crowd did mock and jeer
He to ground and death was hurled.

And the people did repent,
Looked on prophet in the slough –
Cast their faces to their hands,
Sought another truth to slay.