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1770–1850

CORRUPTIONS OF THE HIGHER CLERGY

William Wordsworth

“Woe to you, Prelates! rioting in ease “And cumbrous wealth — the shame of your estate; “You, on whose progress dazzling trains await “Of pompous horses; whom vain titles please;

“Who will be served by others on their knees, “Yet will yourselves to God no service pay; “Pastors who neither take nor point the way “To Heaven; for, either lost in vanities

“Ye have no skill to teach, or if ye know “And speak the word ——” Alas! of fearful things ‘ Tis the most fearful when the people's eye Abuse hath cleared from vain imaginings;

And taught the general voice to prophesy Of Justice armed, and Pride to be laid low.

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