Now that which Syrus had, on Stephen's behalf And on Eunicé's, done and dared, the day That Felix in his lust threatened to them In his own house in Melita such harm-- This, Stephen in time had come to know; nor ceased Thenceforth to wish that he might recompense In some kind to the bondman his good will. His grateful wish Stephen had signified To Syrus, which emboldened him in turn To make the Hebrew youth a confidant Of his devices for Onesimus. Thus Stephen with Onesimus had talked; Not often, for need was that all should be Transacted as in secret to avoid Felix's, more, Drusilla's, jealous watch-- Not often but so many times as served To yield some true impression to the youth Of what the slave was in his manhood's worth, And to inflame a generous desire Of rescue for him to a nobler life. Stephen spoke of Onesimus to Paul, And Paul on shipboard came to speech with him. The runaway's heart was wholly won to Paul; And ere those parted at Puteoli Onesimus had gladly promised Stephen To seek his uncle out, arrived in Rome. A sequel thence redounded to the slave Of boundless blessing he had dreamed not of; Likewise of good to men in every age Wherever might be found fit soul to be Ennobled to the touch of noble thought, In answerable style with nobleness Conveyed, and purified fine feeling, borne To perfect heavenly-mindedness yet sweet And tender with a pulsing human love. For Felix and Drusilla, disembarked, No welcome waited and no warm godspeed; They went their Romeward way in lonely state, The showiest that in their impoverished plight They could make shift to invest themselves withal. But Paul with his companions, good heart's cheer Met at Puteoli; a brotherhood Of lovers greeted them and bade them bide Seven days for rest and for refreshment there: The kindly Julius suffered this to them For Paul's sake easily, seeing to Paul he owed His own life snatched from those shipwrecking waves. A week of opportunity it was To Paul for service of his fellow-men; For he most rested when he labored most, Unhindered, with the joy of harvest his, Winning men to the obedience of his Lord. Fed with a full refection of such toil And gladdened with the cordial dearest to him, Comfort of love from mutual human hearts, The prisoner apostle, those seven days Ended, was ready to move on toward Rome.