St. Barnabas

Christina Georgina Rossetti

“Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand.”—Acts xxi. 3.
“We sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.”—Acts xxvii. 4.

St. Barnabas, with John his sister’s son,
  Set sail for Cyprus; leaving in their wake
  That chosen Vessel, who for Jesus’ sake
Proclaimed the Gentiles and the Jews at one.
Divided while united, each must run
  His mighty course not hell should overtake;
  And pressing toward the mark must own the ache
Of love, and sigh for heaven not yet begun.
For saints in life-long exile yearn to touch
  Warm human hands, and commune face to face;
  But these we know not ever met again:
Yet once St. Paul at distance overmuch
  Just sighted Cyprus; and once more in vain
  Neared it and passed;—not there his landing-place.

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