The Loaves and the Fishes

The Cooks of our councils great plenty provide, They furnish the tables and then they divide, But if you would know what their fav'rite dish is, 'Tis the old-fashion'd food, call'd the Loaves and the Fishes.

Then round about, round about, round about reel, Since some have but little and some a great deal.

Each Patriot prates loud of his country's good, And swears that for charters he'd spill his dear blood; He may talk of his zeal, but his principle wish is, To come in at last for the Loaves and the Fishes.

—Then round about, &c.

When a Poor Man is hung'ry he'll make a long face, And should he want fish-meat, then give him a place, Let Neptune and Ceres provide to his wishes, The old-fashion'd food call'd the Loaves and the Fishes.

—Then round about, &c.

The Bishop oft prays he translated might be, Or that chance would present him a much better See, If a brother should die, the prelate's good wish is, That heaven would send him the Loaves and the Fishes.

—Then round about, &c.

And such is the ease with the kites of the law, When they get a poor client once into their claw, Should a Judge slip his wind, the first legal wish is, That they may be bench'd near the Loaves and the Fishes.

—Then round about, &c.

The great men in place are for raising the crown, And those that are out, are for pulling it down, The party on both sides have self in their wishes, And all things give way to the Loaves and the Fishes.

—Then round about, &c.

May heaven soon grant that we all have a meal, Save those who pretend that they're chuck full of zeal, For those who are full, must relinquish their wishes, When they cannot make room for the Loaves and the Fishes.

Then round about, round about, round about reel, Since some have but little and some a great deal.