Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Heinemann Volume 3).djvu/221

 I mean, your duties as a priest. Hitherto you have been a loose Observer still, of Wont and Use; But Use and Wont, if not the best Of things, are yet the needfulest. Well, well, I will not be severe; You're young, and but a novice here, Town-bred, and scarcely understand What country usages demand. But now, now it is urgent, friend, The lack of judgment to amend. You hitherto have too much heeded What this man and what that man needed; That error (in your private ear) Is grievous. Weigh them in the block; Use the same comb for all the flock; You won't repent it, never fear.

Be more explicit.

The thing's clear. You for the Parish's behoof Have built a Church. That is the woof That robes the spirit of Law and Peace; For to the State, religion is The power that lifts and purifies, The stronghold where its safety lies, The universal moral measure. You see, the State is scant of treasure, And wants full value for its pence. "Good Christians" means "good citizens." Do you suppose it pays its pelf To be for God and Man a tool, And bring annoyance on itself?