[160] The secular clergy are the priests of the Roman church, who belong to no special religious order, but have the charge of parishes, and so live in the world (seculum). The regular clergy are the monks belonging to one or other of the monastic orders, and are subject to its rules (regulæ).—Ed.
[161] 1827.
And robs ... 1822.
[162] 1827.
Scorning their wants because her arm is strong?
Inversion strange! that to a Monk, who lives 1822.
[163] 1845.
And hath allotted, in the world's esteem,
To such a higher station than to him 1822.
That to a Monk allots, in the esteem
Of God and Man, place higher than to him 1827.
XX
MONASTIC VOLUPTUOUSNESS
Yet more,—round many a Convent's blazing fire
Unhallowed threads of revelry are spun;
There Venus sits disguisèd like a Nun,—
While Bacchus, clothed in semblance of a Friar,
Pours out his choicest beverage high and higher 5
Sparkling, until it cannot choose but run
Over the bowl, whose silver lip hath won
An instant kiss of masterful desire—
To stay the precious waste. Through every brain
The domination of the sprightly juice 10
Spreads high conceits to madding Fancy dear,[164]
Till the arched roof, with resolute abuse
Of its grave echoes, swells a choral strain,
Whose votive burthen is—"Our kingdom 's here!"[165]