SAXON MONASTERIES, AND LIGHTS AND SHADES OF THE RELIGION

By such examples moved to unbought pains,

The people work like congregated bees;

Eager to build the quiet Fortresses

Where Piety, as they believe, obtains

From Heaven a general blessing; timely rains

Or needful sunshine; prosperous enterprise,

Justice and peace:— bold faith! yet also rise

The sacred Structures for less doubtful gains.

The Sensual think with reverence of the palms

Which the chaste Votaries seek, beyond the grave;

If penance be redeemable, thence alms

Flow to the poor, and freedom to the slave;

And if full oft the Sanctuary save

Lives black with guilt, ferocity it calms.