Now, after this, as Jesus passed
Where customs were received,
He saw a man named Matthew sit
And, knowing he believed,
Said to him only: "Follow me,"
And Matthew, leaving all,
Rose up and the disciples joined,
At this most simple call.
Then Matthew--sometimes Levi called--
Prepared a splendid feast,
Inviting a great company,
With Jesus, honored guest!
But Matthew was a publican,
On whom the Jews did frown,
And so were many of his friends,
Who at the feast sat down.
And thus the scribes and Pharisees
To the disciples said:
"With publicans and sinners vile
Why doth your Lord eat bread?"
Then Jesus said : "Not to the well,
But sick, are doctors sent;
And I came, not to call the good,
But sinners to repent.
