This his new loyalty Paul put to proof Extreme, proposing to the runaway Return to his Colossian servitude; Paul would test also the obedient faith Of the wronged master of the fugitive. When Syrus learned this from Onesimus, He, wary, with a much-importing shrug Of shoulder, warned his friend betimes beware. The young disciple by such whispered fears Was somewhat shaken in his faithful mind; He failed a moment from his first good will To do as prompted his new heart and Paul. But at the last he was persuaded quite; Yet rather by the spectacle itself Of that apostle willingly in chains For Jesus than by any words he spoke: He fixed to go back to his master. Paul Gave him a letter for that master, sealed. Now Paul well knew the master, but of this He wisely to Onesimus said naught. Philemon was his name; he had by Paul Been won to be a brother in the Lord. "How knowest thou what is in that letter?" so Syrus, with honest scruple, asked his friend. "Paul is a good man, aye; but good men need Money in Rome to serve themselves withal. He makes a merit of returning thee Haply and in his letter claims reward Which thou thyself shalt pay with servitude Exacted henceforth heavier than before-- Besides the stripes and brands for runaways. Thou hast thy freedom, keep it, and be wise." Onesimus was wise, but he went back; Onesimus was wise; yea, and he kept His freedom also, double freedom kept, Of spirit as of flesh, though he went back. This was the letter which the bondman bore: Paul, prisoner of Christ Jesus, and with him Timotheus the brother, to our friend Belovéd and our fellow-laborer, Philemon; and to Appia the sister; And to our fellow-soldier of the truth, Archippus; and to all the church with thee: Grace unto you and peace in plenteous store, From God our Father and His Son our Lord!