Conquest, an odious name, was laid aside, Where all submitted, none the battle tried. The senseless plea of right by Providence Was, by a flattering priest, invented since; And lasts no longer than the present sway; But justifies the next who comes in play. 120 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. 130 With what he begg'd, his brethren he relieved: And gave the charities himself received. Gave, while he taught; and edified the more, Because he showed, by proof, 'twas easy to be poor. He went not with the crowd to see a shrine; But fed us, by the way, with food divine. In deference to his virtues, I forbear To show you what the rest in orders were: This brilliant is so spotless and so bright, He needs no foil, but shines by his own proper light. 140 * * * * * FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 80: This poem is intended as a palinode for some of Dryden's former misdeeds, and partly as a covert panegyric on the Nonjuring clergy.] * * * * * THE END. End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Poetical Works of John Dryden, Vol II, by John Dryden