Let  him  but  set  his  head  to  it,  I  say.
And  he'll  be  worth  a  good,  round  sum  one  day.
I'll  win  him  over,  never  fear.     Let's  see —
If  you  can  come  to  have  a  talk  with  me
Next  week,  he  should  be  sitting  in  that  chair —
Fine  eyes  he  has,  sir,  and  his  mother's  hair —
I  am  his  father,  sir;  you'll  pardon  me? —
Come  in  again  and  sit  awhile ;  you'll  see.
[43]


THE  BISHOP  ARGUES  A  POINT

What,  thou  hast  come  to  me  against  my  will!
Have  not  the  holy  fathers  told  thee  oft
That  this  thou  askest  is  forbidden  by
The  Church?     And  who  am  I  to  set  aside
Its  holy  law?     The  canons  of  the  Lord
Must   stand   though  earth   and  heaven   should

perish  all.
What  need  to  argue  more? — His  rule  is  mild,
You  say ;  He  would  not  see  disease  and  shame
With    leaden    weight    press    down    a    guiltless

one. —
Thou  understandest  not.     Did  He  forbear
The  shame  of  Pilot's  hall,  I  ask.     The  cross,
Was  it  too  heavy  to  be  borne  by  Him?
Thus  shouldst  thou  bear  thine  own  with  cheer-
fulness.
