THE NEWER VAINGLORY
Reading edition
By Alice Meynell
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 no rules, And the age honors me. Thank God, I am not as these rigid fools, Even as this Pharisee.”