Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE GRATEFUL PREACHER; SONNET, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE GRATEFUL PREACHER; SONNET, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A strolling preacher, 'once upon a time'
Last Line: "thank god! I've got my beaver back again!"
Subject(s): Clergy; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops


A STROLLING preacher, "once upon a time,"
Addressed a congregation rather slim
In numbers, -- yet his subject was sublime
('T was "Charity"); sonorous was the hymn,
Fervent the prayer; and though the house was small,
He pounded lustily the Sacred Word,
And preached an hour as loud as he could bawl,
As one who meant the Gospel should be heard.
And now, behold, the preacher's hat is sent
Among the pews for customary pence,
But soon returns as empty as it went! --
Whereat, -- low bowing to the audience, --
He said, "My preaching is not all in vain;
Thank God! I've got my beaver back again!"





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net