Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AQUINAS AND THE BISHOP; SONNET, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AQUINAS AND THE BISHOP; SONNET, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Increase of worldly wealth is not alway
Last Line: "and say to sordid satan, 'get behind!'"
Subject(s): Wealth; Riches; Fortunes


INCREASE of worldly wealth is not alway
With growth in grace in manifest accord;
So quaint Aquinas hinted to my lord
The bishop, when, upon a certain day,
Surprised while counting o'er his ample hoard
Of shining ducats in a coffer stored,
The prelate said, "The time, you see, has gone
When dear old Mother Church was forced to say,
(Acts second) 'Gold and silver have I none!'"
"Ah!" quoth Aquinas, shrewdly, "so I find;
But that, your Grace, was in the purer age,
The very same, be pleased to bear in mind,
When with her foes brave battle she could wage,
And say to sordid Satan, 'Get behind!'"





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