The Happy Life of a Country Parson.

IMMITATION OF ENGLISH POETS. EARL OF DORSET

Parson, these things in thy possessing Are better than the bishop's blessing:-- A wife that makes conserves; a steed That 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.