But, on a weaker sabbath,—for he preached both well and wisely,—
Some casual hearer loudly praised his great neglected talents:
Why should he be buried in obscurity, and throw these pearls to swine?
Could he not still be doing good,—the whilst he pushed his fortunes?
Then came temptation, even on the spark of discontent;
The neighbouring town had a pulpit to be filled; hotly did he canvass, and won it:
Now was he popular and courted, and listened to the spell of admiration,
And toiled to please the taste, rather than to pierce the conscience.
Greedily he sought, and seeking found, the patronizing notice of the great;
He thirsted for emoluments and honours, and counted rich men happy: