"His sacred function was at length renounced; And every day and every place enjoyed The unshackled layman's natural liberty; 265 Speech, manners, morals, all without disguise. I do not wish to wrong him; though the course Of private life licentiously displayed Unhallowed actions--planted like a crown Upon the insolent aspiring brow 270 Of spurious notions--worn as open signs Of prejudice subdued--still he[136] retained, 'Mid much[137] abasement, what he had received From nature, an intense and glowing mind. Wherefore, when humbled Liberty grew weak, 275 And mortal sickness on her face appeared, He coloured objects to his own desire As with a lover's passion. Yet his moods Of pain were keen as those of better men, Nay keener, as his fortitude was less: 280 And he continued, when worse days were come, To deal about his sparkling eloquence, Struggling against the strange reverse with zeal That showed like happiness. But, in despite Of all this outside bravery, within, 285 He neither felt encouragement nor hope: For moral dignity, and strength of mind, Were wanting; and simplicity of life; And reverence for himself; and, last and best, Confiding thoughts, through[138] love and fear of Him Before whose sight the troubles of this world 291 Are vain, as billows in a tossing sea.