The good old bishops took a simpler way;
Each asked but what he heard his father say,
Or how he was instructed in his youth,
And by tradition's force upheld the truth.[153]
The Panther smiled at this;—And when, said she,
Were those first councils disallowed by me?
Or where did I at sure tradition strike,
Provided still it were apostolic?[154]
Friend, said the Hind, you quit your former ground,
Where all your faith you did on scripture found: