JOTHAM'S PARABLE

The trees resolved that they should choose

Their own anointed king -

A king they would not dare refuse

To serve in everything.

Asking the olive they began:

“No, I will not forsake

My oil which honours God and man

For my own title’s sake”.

The fig-tree they asked secondly:

“I will not leave fruit

And sweetness for a king’s display

Which will not contribute”.

Thirdly, they spoke unto the vine:

“I have new wine to please

Both God and man, so I decline

To wave above the trees”.

But finally they asked the thorn:

“Have confidence in me;

Rest in my shade. But if you scorn

Fire will devour each tree”.