James and John

Two brothers freely cast their lot With David’s royal Son; The cost of conquest counting not, They deem the battle won.

Brothers in heart, they hope to gain An undivided joy; That man may one with man remain, As boy was one with boy.

Christ heard; and will’d that James should fall, First prey of Satan’s rage; John linger out his fellows all, And die in bloodless age.

Now they join hands once more above, Before the Conqueror’s throne; Thus God grants prayer, but in His love Makes times and ways His own.