The Happy Life of a Country Parson
IMMITATION OF ENGLISH POETS. EARL OF DORSET
Parson, these things in thy possessingAre better than the bishop's blessing:--A wife that makes conserves; a steedThat carries double when there's need:October store, and best Virginia,Tithe-pig, and mortuary guinea:Gazettes sent gratis down, and frank'd,For which thy patron's weekly thank'd:A large Concordance, bound long since:Sermons to Charles the First, when prince:A Chronicle of ancient standing;A Chrysostom to smooth thy band in:The Polyglot--three parts--my text,Howbeit--likewise--now to my next:Lo, here the Septuagint--and Paul,To sum the whole--the close of all.He that has these, may pass his life,Drink with the squire, and kiss his wife;On Sundays preach, and eat his fill;And fast on Fridays--if he will;Toast Church and Queen, explain the news,Talk with churchwardens about pews,Pray heartily for some new gift,And shake his head at Doctor S----t.
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