The Pearl's Great Price

As Father Heaven, Jupiter, was born
and scaled a  hill to thunder off command;
and Alexander spread his father’s land
to claim as Son of God his crown was worn;
when fortunate Octavian settled power
and called the order ‘Peace’, himself ‘God’s Son’,
there dawned a Light that lightens everyone
and majesty and armour passed their hour.
A father’s field is for a treasure’s grave,
a hill for dwelling and a rock the throne,
where all a loving son will pay is shown,
and force of glory’s arms are Mars unbrave.
I know not where the pearl, this victor, lies,
but buy the field and search for peace, His prize.

(c) Mark Woodruff, 30 November 1996