Alice Meynell

The Newer Vainglory

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 honours me.
Thank God, I am not as these rigid fools,
        Even as this Pharisee."