[70] See, in Turner's _History_, vol. iii. p. 528, the account of the erection of Ramsey Monastery. Penances were removable by the performance of acts of charity and benevolence.--W. W. 1822. "Wherever monasteries were founded, marshes were drained, or woods cleared, and wastes brought into cultivation; the means of subsistence were increased by improved agriculture, and by improved horticulture new comforts were added to life. The humblest as well as the highest pursuits were followed in these great and most beneficial establishments. While part of the members were studying the most inscrutable points of theology, ... others were employed in teaching babes and children the rudiments of useful knowledge; others as copyists, limners, carvers, workers in wood, and in stone, and in metal, and in trades and manufactures of every kind which the community required." (Southey's _Book of the Church_, vol. i. chap. iv. pp. 61, 62.)--ED. [71] 1832. And peace, and equity.--Bold faith! yet rise The sacred Towers for universal gains. 1822. And peace, and equity.--Bold faith! yet rise The sacred Structures for less doubtful gains. 1827. XXV MISSIONS AND TRAVELS Not sedentary all: there are who roam To scatter seeds of life on barbarous shores; Or quit with zealous step their knee-worn floors To seek the general mart of Christendom; Whence they, like richly-laden merchants, come 5 To their belovèd cells:--or shall we say That, like the Red-cross Knight, they urge their way, To lead in memorable triumph home Truth, their immortal Una? Babylon, Learned and wise, hath perished utterly, 10 Nor leaves her Speech one word to aid the sigh[72] That would lament her;--Memphis, Tyre, are gone With all their Arts,--but classic lore glides on By these Religious saved for all posterity. FOOTNOTES: [72] 1827. ... speech wherewith to clothe a sigh 1822. XXVI ALFRED Behold a pupil of the monkish gown, The pious ALFRED, King to Justice dear! Lord of the harp and liberating spear;[73] Mirror of Princes![74] Indigent Renown Might range the starry ether for a crown 5 Equal to _his_ deserts, who, like the year, Pours forth his bounty, like the day doth cheer, And awes like night with mercy-tempered frown. Ease from this noble miser of his time No moment steals; pain narrows not his cares.[75] 10 Though small his kingdom as a spark or gem, Of Alfred boasts remote Jerusalem,[76] And Christian India, through her wide-spread clime, In sacred converse gifts with Alfred shares.[77][78] FOOTNOTES: