Versos English Robert Browning X

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Then, cocking (in Scotch phrase) his cap a-gee, Right hand disengaged from the doublet --Like landlord, in house he had sublet Resuming of guardianship gestion, To call tenants' conduct in question-- Hop, skip, jump, to inside from outside Of chamber, he lords, ladies, louts eyed With such transformation of visage As fitted the censor of this age. No longer an advocate tepid Of frailty, but champion intrepid Of strength,--not of falsehood but verity,-- He, one after one, with asperity Stripped bare all the cant-clothed abuses, Disposed of sophistic excuses, Forced folly each shift to abandon, And left vice with no leg to stand on. So crushing the force he exerted, That Man at his foot lay converted!