An old poem by an unknown poet

WOULDST thou be chief? Then lowly serve.

Wouldst thou be up? Go down.

Yet, go as low as e’er you will,

The Highest hath gone lower still.

 

To love’s most lowly offices,

Dost thou, in meekness, stoop?

The Christ, thy Master, thought it sweet

To wash His dear disciples’ feet.

 

Wouldst thou be in the kingdom great?

Be here a little child.

Jesus was one, and never more

His childhood’s humbleness forebore.

 

Wouldst thou command? Obedient be.

Jesus obeyed to death:

Even the death upon the cross,

With all its shame and bitter loss.

E. B.