CHAPTER X. The Pagan à Kempis 128

THE PAGAN À KEMPIS 128

Even in a palace, life may be led well! So spake the imperial sage, purest of men, Marcus Aurelius. But the stifling den Of common life, where, crowded up pell-mell.

Our freedom for a little bread we sell, And drudge under some foolish master’s ken Who rates us if we peer outside our pen-- Matched with a palace, is not this a hell?

Even in a palace! On his truth sincere Who spake these words, no shadow ever came And when my ill-schooled spirit is aflame.

Some nobler, ampler stage of life to win, I’ll stop and say, “There were no succour here, The aids to noble life are all within.”

MATTHEW ARNOLD.

The Emperor Marcus Aurelius