The pope in his cart
Cast his eyes on the roadway,
Fell thoughtful and answered:

"Then, Christians, come, hear me:
I will not complain 160
Of the cross that I carry,
But bear it in silence.
I'll tell you my story,
And you try to follow
As well as you can."

"Begin."

"But first tell me
The gifts you consider
As true earthly welfare;
Peace, honour, and riches,-- 170
Is that so, my children?"

They answer, "It is so."

"And now let us see, friends,
What peace does the pope get?
In truth, then, I ought
To begin from my childhood,
For how does the son
Of the pope gain his learning,
And what is the price
That he pays for the priesthood? 180