Paul was left lonely of all men save Luke; But Luke the faithful chose with him his part. Paul longed for Timothy, and wrote to him Bidding him haste and bring John Mark to Rome. But the end hasted more than these could haste, And Timothy was never in the flesh To greet again that father of his soul Who, for the son's sake more than for his own, Yearned toward the son to fix in him his faith Seen nigh to falter in the face of things Such as now fronted Paul. John Mark though once In haste of spirit sundered from Paul's part, Had long before been won again--to bide Thenceforward ever fast in loyalty; But as not Timothy, so neither he Would comfort Paul in this his last assay. So much the more Paul's lonely fortitude In witness amid storms of obloquy And under the impending threat of doom, Then against doom itself upon him fallen, Should at need brace them both to martyrdom. Most exquisitely human-hearted, Paul Could not but feel full sore his loneliness-- Loneliness more for sense of being forsaken. "Demas," to Timothy he sighed, "has loved This present world, and has forsaken me. All men forsook me the first time I stood To make my answer at the judgment-bar; I pray it be not laid to their account!" Nobly repined!--yet for a moment only; Then cheerly added, this, and thankfully: "Of men not one stood with me; but the Lord, He with me stood, and cheered and strengthened me, That all the gentiles might the gospel hear; And for that time from out the lion's mouth I was delivered. Yea, and betide what may, Still the Lord Jesus will deliver me From every machination of ill men, And to His heavenly kingdom bring me safe. To whom be glory evermore! Amen!" Enjoined thereto by Paul, Luke bore from Rome To Rachel and the rest in Holy Land-- That dear companionship of kindred hearts-- The tidings how all ended with his death; Yet how, before he died, and when he died, He conquered gloriously. Luke said to them: "He was not taken at all at unawares; Nothing surprised and nothing daunted him. Nay, he rejoiced in spirit that all was now Finished for him on earth; that he might lay His warrior's harness off and take his crown. He said this to his judges with such calm Clear consciousness of speaking simple truth, Such sober confidence devoid of vaunt, That something like conviction seized on them Listening; while on the listening multitude-- For the basilica was thronged--I felt Fall a great hush and a pathetic awe.