POET

I note the moods and feelings men betray, And heed them more than aught they do or say; The lingering ghosts of many a secret deed Still-born or haply strangled in its birth; These best reveal the smooth man's inward creed! These mark the spot where lies the treasure--Worth!

Milner, made up of impudence and trick,[448:2] With cloven tongue prepared to hiss and lick, Rome's Brazen Serpent--boldly dares discuss The roasting of thy heart, O brave John Huss! And with grim triumph and a truculent glee[448:3] Absolves anew the Pope-wrought perfidy, That made an empire's plighted faith a lie, And fix'd a broad stare on the Devil's eye-- (Pleas'd with the guilt, yet envy-stung at heart To stand outmaster'd in his own black art!) Yet Milner--