The Newer Vainglory

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."