And ask for lodging at the blazing inn,
Would there be room? Or would He know the plight
That came to Mary? Would a stable's din
Fall on His ears? His bed be fragrant hay?
Would He be mocked and spat upon and die?
Would some new Pilate wash his hands and say,
"I find no fault, but you may crucify"?
Or have the mills of time in grinding made
His own to know; to hear again His voice--
"Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid"?
If Christ should come tonight, would they, through choice,
Inscribe their banner--wave it high, unfurled--
"Jesus of Nazareth, ruler of the world!"?
