Though God, as one that is an householder,
Called these to labour in his vine-yard first,
Before the husk of darkness was well burst
Bidding them grope their way out and bestir,
( Who, questioned of their wages, answered,‘ Sir,
Unto each man a penny:’ ) though the worst
Burthen of heat was theirs and the dry thirst:
Though God hath since found none such as these were
To do their work like them:— Because of this
Stand not ye idle in the market-place.
Which of ye knoweth he is not that last
Who may be first by faith and will?— yea, his
The hand which after the appointed days
And hours shall give a Future to their Past?