Nothing was theirs, but all the public store; Who, should they steal, for want of his relief, Wide was his parish; not contracted close In streets, but here and there a straggling house; Yet still he was at hand, without request, To serve the sick, to succour the distress'd; Tempting on foot, alone, without affright, The dangers of a dark tempestuous night. All this, the good old man perform'd alone, Nor spared his pains; for curate he had none. Nor durst he trust another with his care; Nor rode himself to Paul's, the public fair, To chaffer for preferment with his gold, Where bishoprics and sinecures are sold; But duly watch'd his flock by night and day, And from the prowling wolf redeem'd the prey, And hungry sent the wily fox away. The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheer'd; Nor to rebuke the rich offender fear'd. His preaching much, but more his practice wrought; The prelate, for his holy life he prized; Patience in want, and poverty of mind, They, who contend for place and high degree, Not but he knew the signs of earthly power The prince may keep his pomp, the fisher must be plain.* Such was the saint, who shone with every grace, Near though he was, yet not the next of blood. * This passage is obviously introduced by the author, to apologize for the splendid establishment of the clergy of his own community. What follows, applies, as has been noticed, to the non-juring clergy, who lost their benefices for refusing the oath of allegiance to King William. And lasts no longer than the present sway, The people's right remains; let those who dare Dispute their power, when they the judges are. He join'd not in their choice, because he knew Worse might, and often did, from change ensue. Much to himself he thought, but little spoke; And, undeprived, his benefice forsook. Now, through the land, his cure of souls he stretch'd, And like a primitive apostle preach'd. Still cheerful; ever constant to his call; By many follow'd; loved by most, admired by all. With what he begg'd, his brethren he relieved, And gave the charities himself received; Gave, while he taught; and edified the more, In deference to his virtues, I forbear He needs no foil, but shines by his own proper light. |