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...THE CONGO by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY BEREAVED by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY SEVERUS TO TIBERIUS GREATLY ENNUYE by JOSEPH AUSLANDER THE FIRST BOOK OF URIZEN by WILLIAM BLAKE TO WEBSTER by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE A CHILD'S GRACE AT FLORENCE; A.A.E.C. by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |