_Cantabit vacuus coram latrone viator._ JUVENAL, Satire X. ] THE CHARACTER OF A GOOD PARSON. This beautiful copy of a beautiful original makes us regret, that Dryden had not translated the whole Introduction to the "Canterbury Tales," in which the pilgrims are so admirably described. Something might have been lost for want of the ancient Gothic lore, which the writers of our poet's period did not think proper to study; but when Dryden's learning failed, his native stores of fancy and numbers would have helped him through the task. "The Character of the Good Priest" may be considered as an _amende honorable_ to the reverend order whom Dryden had often satirized, and he himself seems to wish it to be viewed in that light. See Preface, p. 225. With a freedom which he has frequently employed elsewhere, Dryden has added the last forty lines, in which, availing himself of the Revolution, which in Chaucer's time placed Henry IV. on the throne, he represents the political principles of his priest as the same with those of the non-juring clergy of his own day. Indeed, the whole piece is greatly enlarged upon Chaucer's sketch. THE CHARACTER OF A GOOD PARSON. A parish priest was of the pilgrim train; An awful, reverend, and religious man. His eyes diffused a venerable grace, And charity itself was in his face. Rich was his soul, though his attire was poor, } (As God had clothed his own ambassador;) } For such on earth his blessed Redeemer bore. } Of sixty years he seemed, and well might last To sixty more, but that he lived too fast; Refined himself to soul, to curb the sense, And made almost a sin of abstinence. Yet had his aspect nothing of severe, But such a face as promised him sincere; Nothing reserved or sullen was to see, But sweet regards, and pleasing sanctity; Mild was his accent, and his action free. With eloquence innate his tongue was armed, Though harsh the precept, yet the preacher charmed. For, letting down the golden chain from high, He drew his audience upward to the sky; And oft, with holy hymns, he charmed their ears, (A music more melodious than the spheres,) For David left him, when he went to rest, His lyre; and after him he sung the best. He bore his great commission in his look, But sweetly tempered awe, and softened all he spoke. He preached the joys of heaven, and pains of hell, } And warned the sinner with becoming zeal; } But on eternal mercy loved to dwell. } He taught the gospel rather than the law, And forced himself to drive, but loved to draw. For fear but freezes minds; but love, like heat, Exhales the soul sublime, to seek her native seat. To threats the stubborn sinner oft is hard, Wrapped in his crimes, against the storm prepared; But when the milder beams of mercy play, He melts, and throws his cumbrous cloak away. Lightnings and thunder, (heaven's artillery,)