W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.

St. Paul at Melita

John Henry Newman (1801–1890)

“And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat.”

SECURE in his prophetic strength,

The water peril o’er,

The many-gifted man at length

Stepp’d on the promised shore.

He trod the shore; but not to rest,

Nor wait till Angels came;

Lo, humblest pains the Saint attest,

The firebrands and the flame.

But, when he felt the viper’s smart,

Then instant aid was given;

Christian! hence learn to do thy part

And leave the rest to heaven.