Measuring Madness

"And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself, much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian" (Acts 26:24-28).

The madman may think if he shouts
That he has the very last word.
The monarch may publish his doubts,
Regardless of evidence heard.

Consider the discourse of Paul
With all of his evidence had;
Still Festus would not hear it all,
And simply dismissed him as mad.

Then addressing Agrippa the king,
Paul found he was almost persuaded,
Yet in spite of the facts Paul could bring.
Agrippa remained cold and jaded.

How shall we then measure madness
In view of the truth so perfected?
Perhaps by the height of the sadness
In heaven for grace thus rejected.