Poem: “To St. John Baptist” by Henry Constable

As Anne long barren, Mother did become
of him, who last was Judge in Israel:
Thou last of prophets borne like Samuel
Did’st from a womb past hope of issue come.
His mother silent spake: thy father dumb
Recovering speech, God’s wonder did foretell:
He after death a prophet was in hell:
And thou unborn within thy mother’s womb:
He did anoint the king, whom God did take
From charge of sheep, to rule his chosen land:
But that high king who heaven & earth did make
Received a holier liquor from thy hand,
When God his flock in human shape did feed,
As Israel’s king kept his in shepherd’s weed.