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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE NEWER VAINGLORY by ALICE MEYNELL

Poet Analysis

First Line: TWO MEN WENT UP TO PRAY; AND ONE GAVE THANKS
Last Line: "EVEN AS THIS PHARISEE."

TWO men went up to pray; and one gave thanks,
Not with himself -- aloud,
With proclamation, calling on the ranks
Of an attentive crowd.

"Thank God, I clap not my own humble breast,
But other ruffians' backs,
Imputing crime -- such is my tolerant haste --
To any man that lacks.

"For I am tolerant, generous, keep on rules,
And the age honours me.
Thank God, I am not as these rigid fools,
Even as this Pharisee."



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