Book XXIV. THE END 691

THE EPIC OF PAUL.

The action of THE EPIC OF PAUL begins with that conspiracy formed at Jerusalem against the life of the apostle which in the sequel led to a prolonged suspension of his free missionary career. It embraces the incidents of his removal from Jerusalem to Cæsarea, of his imprisonment at the latter place, of his journey to Rome for trial before Cæsar, and of his final martyrdom.

The design of the poem as a whole is to present, through conduct on Paul's part and through speech from him, a living portrait of the man that he was, together with a reflex of his most central and most characteristic teaching.

PROEM.

Paul, the new man, retrieved from perished Saul, Unequalled good and fair, from such unfair, Such evil, orient, miracle unguessed!-- Both what himself he was and what he taught-- This marvel in meet words to fashion forth And make it live an image to the mind Forever, blooming in celestial youth, Were well despair to purer power than mine; Help me Thou, Author of the miracle!