_Par._ The old dull question In a new form; no more. Thus: I possess Two sorts of knowledge; one,--vast, shadowy, Hints of the unbounded aim I once pursued: The other consists of many secrets, caught While bent on nobler prize,--perhaps a few Prime principles which may conduct to much: These last I offer to my followers here. Now, bid me chronicle the first of these, My ancient study, and in effect you bid Revert to the wild courses just abjured: I must go find them scattered through the world. Then, for the principles, they are so simple (Being chiefly of the overturning sort), That one time is as proper to propound them As any other--to-morrow at my class, Or half a century hence embalmed in print. For if mankind intend to learn at all, They must begin by giving faith to them And acting on them: and I do not see But that my lectures serve indifferent well: No doubt these dogmas fall not to the earth, For all their novelty and rugged setting. I think my class will not forget the day I let them know the gods of Israel, Aëtius, Oribasius, Galen, Rhasis, Serapion, Avicenna, Averröes, Were blocks! _Fest._ And that reminds me, I heard something About your waywardness: you burned their books. It seems, instead of answering those sages. _Par._ And who said that? _Fest._ Some I met yesternight With Œcolampadius. As you know, the purpose Of this short stay at Basel was to learn His pleasure touching certain missives sent For our Zuinglius and himself. 'T was he Apprised me that the famous teacher here Was my old friend. _Par._ Ah, I forgot: you went ... _Fest._ From Zurich with advices for the ear Of Luther, now at Wittenberg--(you know, I make no doubt, the differences of late With Carolostadius)--and returning sought Basel and ... _Par._ I remember. Here 's a case, now, Will teach you why I answer not, but burn The books you mention. Pray, does Luther dream His arguments convince by their own force The crowds that own his doctrine? No, indeed! His plain denial of established points Ages had sanctified and men supposed Could never be oppugned while earth was under And heaven above them--points which chance or time Affected not--did more than the array Of argument which followed. Boldly deny! There is much breath-stopping, hair-stiffening Awhile; then, amazed glances, mute awaiting The thunderbolt which does not come: and next, Reproachful wonder and inquiry; those Who else had never stirred, are able now To find the rest out for themselves, perhaps To outstrip him who set the whole at work, --As never will my wise class its instructor. And you saw Luther? _Fest._ 'T is a wondrous soul!