Mont. Ill does he represent the powers above,
Who nourishes debate, not preaches love;
Besides, what greater folly can be shewn?
He gives another what is not his own.
Vasq. His power must needs unquestioned be below, For he in heaven an empire can bestow.
Mont. Empires in heaven he with more ease may give,
And you, perhaps, would with less thanks receive;
But heaven has need of no such viceroy here,
Itself bestows the crowns that monarchs wear.
Piz. You wrong his power, as you mistake our end, Who came thus far religion to extend.
Mont. He, who religion truly understands, Knows its extent must be in men, not lands.
Odm. But who are those that truth must propagate Within the confines of my father's state?
Vasq. Religious men, who hither must be sent
As awful guides of heavenly government;
To teach you penance, fasts, and abstinence,
To punish bodies for the soul's offence.
Mont. Cheaply you sin, and punish crimes with ease,
Not as the offended, but the offenders please;
First injure heaven, and, when its wrath is due,
Yourselves prescribe it how to punish you.
Odm. What numbers of these holy men must come?
Piz. You shall not want, each village shall have some; Who, though the royal dignity they own, Are equal to it, and depend on none.