LXVIII.

Nevertheless, they all express.   (Christ granting liberty,) What for their way they have to say,   how they have liv’d, and why. They all draw near and seek to clear   themselves by making pleas; There Hypocrites, false-hearted wights,   do make such pleas as these:

LXIX. [59]

“Lord, in thy Name, and by the same,   we Devils dispossess’d; We rais’d the dead and minist’red   Succor to the distressed. Our painful teaching and pow’rful preaching   by thine own wondrous might, Did throughly win to God from sin   many a wretched wight.“

_The Judge replyeth._

LXX. [60]

“All this,” quoth he, “may granted be,   and your case little better’d, Who still remain under a chain   and many irons fetter’d. You that the dead have quickened,   and rescu’d from the grave. Yourselves were dead, yet ne’er needéd   a Christ your souls to save.

LXXI.[61]

“You that could preach, and others teach   what way to life doth lead, Why were you slack to find that track   and in that way to tread? How could you bear to see or hear   of others freed at last From Satan’s paws, whilst in his jaws   yourselves were held more fast?

LXXII. [62]

“Who though you knew Repentance true,   and Faith is my great Name, The only mean to quit you clean,   from punishment and blame, Yet took no pain true Faith to gain,   such as might not deceive, Nor would repent with true intent,   your evil deeds to leave.

LXXIII. [63]

“His Master’s will how to fulfil   the servant that well knew, Yet left undone his duty known,   more plagues to him are due. You against light perverted right;   wherefore it shall be now For Sidon and for Sodom’s Land   more easy than for you.“

_Another plea of the Hypocrites._

LXXIV. [64]

“But we have in thy presence been,”   say some, “and eaten there. Did we not eat thy Flesh for meat,   and feed on Heav’nly Cheer? Whereon who feed shall never need,   as thou thyself dost say, Nor shall they die eternally,   but live with Christ for aye.