VI.
That evil thing, Covetousness, leadeth astray the third Pilgrim.
“Now turn aside, and share the spoil
That is before us cast,—
You well may trust the generous heart
That hailed you as you passed.
The brazen vases stand in rows,
Brim-full of gems and gold,
Coins, ingots, heavy chains, inwrought
By hands of craftsmen old.”
One paused a while and thought, “What harm
If I should turn aside?
'Tis but a moment,”—and he left
The highway with his guide.
He sees the dusky gold, the pearls,
The chains that dimly shone,
And all his thoughts of home and friends
Are on the instant gone.
That evil thing, the lust of wealth,
Up in his heart hath grown;—
O wretched he who ne'er shall see
The marble-templed town!
