Here you will find the Poem Although no stupid scoffer of poet Alfred Austin
Although no stupid scoffer, I Am wholly at a loss To apprehend the reason why You kiss Lorenzo's Cross. For though indeed a hundred days' Indulgence thus you win, There does not move a lip but says That you did never sin. Ha! but I did not read the whole. I see it now; the gain May be applied to any soul In purgatorial pain. And oh, how many spirits lie In such sad bondage through Having too often passed it by Whilst gazing after you! They longed, instead, your lips to kiss; Their wish, though vain, was clear; They fondly thought they would by this Make sure of heaven here. Indulgence each your lip acquires, On them it doth bestow; And you who lighted here their fires, Do quench their flames below. And so you soothe-'tis only fair- The souls you lately vexed. 'Tis lucky you have grace to spare For this world and-the next.
