Such was the saint, who shone with every grace, Reflecting, Moses-like, his Maker's face. God saw his image lively was expressed; And his own work, as in creation, blessed. The tempter saw him too with envious eye, And, as on Job, demanded leave to try. He took the time when Richard was deposed, And high and low with happy Harry closed. This prince, though great in arms, the priest withstood: Near though he was, yet not the next of blood. Had Richard, unconstrained, resigned the throne, } A king can give no more than is his own: } The title stood entailed, had Richard had a son. } 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. The people's right remains; let those who dare Dispute their power, when they the judges are. He joined 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 stretched, And like a primitive apostle preached. Still cheerful; ever constant to his call; By many followed; loved by most, admired by all. With what he begged, his brethren he relieved, And gave the charities himself received; Gave, while he taught; and edified the more, Because he shewed, 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 shew 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. [Footnote 211: This passage is obviously introduced by the author, to apologize for the splendid establishment of the clergy of his own community. What follows, applies, as has been noticed, to the non-juring clergy, who lost their benefices for refusing the oath of allegiance to King William.] FABLES. TRANSLATIONS FROM BOCCACE. SIGISMONDA AND GUISCARDO.