But, since he 's only mortal, sends such as I to test
The truth of all that 's told him—how folk like you may fare:
Come!—only don't stop eating—when mouth has words to spare—
"You"—smiled he—"play the spokesman, bell-wether of the flock!
Are times good, masters gentle? Your grievances unlock!
How of your work and wages?—pleasures, if such may be—
Pains, as such are for certain." Thus smiling questioned he.
But somehow, spite of smiling, awe stole upon the group—
An inexpressible surmise: why should a priest thus stoop—
Pry into what concerned folk? Each visage fell. Aware,