The Boy Bishop Poem by John Bannister Tabb

'A game, Marcellus!' 'Well, what shall it be?
Let's play we're Christians.' And with one accord
The Children grouped around their mimic lord,
Marcellus, throned as Sovereign Pontiff. He
The part so often played in mockery,
With solemn rite enacted-word for word
Repeating as on each in turn he poured
The waters of a new Nativity.


Then burst the thunders of an edict. Rome
Trembled, and her gods offended frowned
Foreshadowing the hurricane to be.
Men faltered; but among the faithful found-
The yeanlings of the flock-with martyrdom
Marcellus and his neophytes were crowned.