The Works of George Crabbe

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1823 edition. Excerpt: ..." Till I was forced to smite my bounding breast " With forceful blow and bid the bold-one rest. " Go not with crowds when they to pleasure run, " But public joy in private safety shun: " When bells, diverted from their true intent, " Ring loud for some deluded mortal sent " To hear or make long speech in parliament; " What time the many, that unruly beast, " Roars its rough joy and shares the final feast: " Then-heed my counsel, shut thine ears and eyes; " A few will hear me--for the few are wise.' Not Satan's friends, nor Satan's self could bear The cautious man who took of souls such care; An interloper,--one who, out of place, Had volunteer'd upon the side of grace: There was his master ready once a week To give advice; what further need he seek? " Amen, so be it:"--what had he to do With more than this?--'twas insolent and new; And some determined on a way to see How frail he was, that so it might not be. First they essay'd to tempt our saint to sin, By points of doctrine argued at an inn; Where be might warmly reason, deeply drink, Then lose all power to argue and to think. In vaia they tried; he took the question up, Clear'd every doubt, and barely touch'd the cup: By many a text he proved his doctrine sound, And look'd in triumph on the tempters round. Next 'twas their care an artful hiss to find, Who might consult him, as perplex'd in mind; She they conceived might put her case with fears, With tender tremblings and seducing tears; She might such charms of various kind display, That he would feel their force and melt away: For why of nymphs such caution and such dread, Unless he felt and fear'd to be misled She came, she spake: he calmly heard her case, And plainly told her 'twas a want of grace; Bade her " such fancies and affections...