He spoke up in support of Protestant causes while at Queen Elizabeth’s court, where he became a favourite. In 1589 he was sent to Edinburgh to attend the marriage of King James VI of Scotland. Though at first outwardly appearing to be a Protestant, Constable eventually made public his conversion to Catholicism.
In 1595, Constable fled to the continent to avoid prosecution for his Catholic views. He wrote many letters to England, seeking assistance, visited Scotland, and around 1602 returned to England in secret. He was soon captured and held in the Tower of London. Even after his friend James I came to the English throne in 1603, he was not released — not until late in 1604. Several years later he left England for good, and died in Belgium.
O Gracious Shepherd
O gracious Shepherd! for Thy simple flock
By guileful goats to ravening wolves misled,
Who Thine own dear heart's precious blood didst shed,
And lamb-like offered to the butcher's block:
O gracious Shepherd! unremoving Rock
Of succour to all such as thither fled,
Respect one of Thy flock which followèd
These cursèd goats, and doth repentant knock,
To be with mercy taken to Thy fold.
I know Thy grace doth still for wanderers look;
I was a lost sheep once: dear Lord! behold,
And in compassion take me with Thy hook.
In one lost sheep new found, Thou dost rejoice;
Then know Thy sheep, which knows his Shepherd's voice.
Entry written by D.S. Martin. He is the author of five poetry collections including Angelicus (2021, Cascade) ― a book of poems written from the point-of-view of angels. His books are available through Wipf & Stock.
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