Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CHRISTIAN MARTYR IN THE COLISEUM; 'CHRISTIANOS AND LEONES', by ROWLAND EYLES EGERTON-WARBURTON


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THE CHRISTIAN MARTYR IN THE COLISEUM; 'CHRISTIANOS AND LEONES', by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Christian, come forth! The hungering lions crave
Last Line: Him may we, steadfast in the faith, resist!
Alternate Author Name(s): Egerton-warburton, R. E.
Subject(s): Christianity; Coliseum, Rome; Martyrs; Rome, Italy


CHRISTIAN, come forth! the hungering lions crave
Thy flesh; impatient waits assembled Rome,
Athirst to drink the blood of martyrdom;
Christian, come forth! and death unshrinking brave;
Whether, within the walls of that vast grave,
Torn limb from limb, or in the narrower tomb,
Thy flesh foul worms and creeping things consume,
A God thou hast omnipotent to save.
Watch we and pray, lest us like foes o'erpower,
Such, though unseen do not the less exist;
Here stand we not in jeopardy each hour?
That roaring lion, wheresoe'er he list,
He walketh, seeking whom he may devour;
Him may we, steadfast in the faith, resist!





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