More vacant pulpits would more converts make; All would have latitude enough to take: The rest unbeneficed your sects maintain;} For ordinations, without cures, are vain,} And chamber practice is a silent gain. } Your sons of breadth at home are much like these; Their soft and yielding metals run with ease; They melt, and take the figure of the mould, But harden and preserve it best in gold.-- Your Delphic sword, the Panther then replied, Is double-edged, and cuts on either side. Some sons of mine, who bear upon their shield Three steeples argent in a sable field, Have sharply taxed your converts, who, unfed, Have followed you for miracles of bread;[195] Such, who themselves of no religion are, Allured with gain, for any will declare. Bare lies, with bold assertions, they can face; But dint of argument is out of place. The grim logician puts them in a fright; 'Tis easier far to flourish than to fight.[196] Thus, our eighth Henry's marriage they defame;} They say, the schism of beds began the game, } Divorcing from the church to wed the dame; } Though largely proved, and by himself professed, That conscience, conscience would not let him rest,--[197] I mean, not till possessed of her he loved, And old, uncharming Catherine was removed. For sundry years before he did complain, And told his ghostly confessor his pain. With the same impudence, without a ground, } They say, that, look the reformation round,} No treatise of humility is found.[198] } But if none were, the gospel does not want; } Our Saviour preached it, and I hope you grant,} The sermon on the mount was protestant.-- } No doubt, replied the Hind, as sure as all} The writings of Saint Peter and Saint Paul; } On that decision let it stand, or fall. } Now for my converts, who, you say, unfed, Have followed me for miracles of bread. Judge not by hearsay, but observe at least, If since their change their loaves have been increased. The Lion buys no converts; if he did, Beasts would be sold as fast as he could bid. Tax those of interest, who conform for gain, Or stay the market of another reign: Your broad-way sons[199] would never be too nice To close with Calvin, if he paid their price; But, raised three steeples higher, would change their note, And quit the cassock for the canting-coat. Now, if you damn this censure, as too bold, Judge by yourselves, and think not others sold. Meantime, my sons accused, by fame's report, Pay small attendance at the Lion's court, Nor rise with early crowds, nor flatter late; For silently they beg, who daily wait. Preferment is bestowed, that comes unsought; Attendance is a bribe, and then 'tis bought. How they should speed, their fortune is untried; For not to ask, is not to be denied.