quote · Legacy record
He was a shepherd, and no mercenary. And though he holy was and virtuous, He was to sinful men full piteous; His words were strong, but not with anger fraught; A love benignant he discreetly taught. To draw mankind to Heaven by gentleness And good example, was his business. But if that any one were obstinate, Whether he were of high or low estate, Him would he sharply check with altered mien: A better parson there was nowhere seen. He paid no court to pomps and reverence, Nor spiced his conscience at his soul’s expense; But Jesus’ love, which owns no pride or pelf, He taught—but first he followed it himself.
He was a shepherd, and no mercenary. And though he holy was and virtuous, He was to sinful men full piteous; His words were strong, but not with anger fraught; A love benignant he discreetly taught. To draw mankind to Heaven by gentleness And good example, was his business. But if that any one were obstinate, Whether he were of high or low estate, Him would he sharply check with altered mien: A better parson there was nowhere seen. He paid no court to pomps and reverence, Nor spiced his conscience at his soul’s expense; But Jesus’ love, which owns no pride or pelf, He taught—but first he followed it himself.
In print by 1888 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Meaning not yet available
An individual explanation has not yet been added. We do not substitute a generic description for an interpretation of these particular words.
Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Chaucer (identity unresolved)
Attribution: unknown - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1888 AD · industrial
In print by 1888: recorded in A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 430 · printed citation: Chaucer · subject: PASTOR
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.