¶ On the Pharisee and the Publican.
TWo men into the Temple went to pray;
The one a Pharisee, who thus did say,
I thank thee, God, I am no common man,
No unjust person, As this Publican;
Twice in the week I fast from my excess,
And I give tythes of all that I possess.
The humble Publican at distance stood,
With head and eyes dejected, as if food,
Or heavenly Manna then was to be found
Carelessly scatter'd on the dusty ground:
But as in bitterness of Soul distrest,
He with his hand smote on his troubled breast,
Of his Petition this was the beginner,
O God be merciful to me a sinner:
The other shew'd (rather than Zeal) his pride,
But the poor Publican went justifi'd.
God doth delight the proud look to abase,
And on Humility bestows his grace.