Written at St. Peter’s
O GRACIOUS Lord, forgive us; we are all, All of us, sinners vile; But these, who build Greatness upon their brethren's miseries; Who scorn to make Thy meek and patient life The pattern of their doings; yet put on A day-dress of religion; hypocrites! Who faiths absurd exact with fiery zeal; And strive to thrall the tongue to their decrees, Not win the spirit to the bond of love: — God of our fathers, keep us from the ways Of these foul hirelings. Less Thy glory pure Seek they to magnify, than that of men: For basest ends the simple they perplex, And with the guise of learning, check the hope That rises in their hearts from virtuous deeds.
John Dyer’s other poems:
