Читать книгу Poetry - Alexander Pope - Страница 78

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THE HAPPY LIFE OF A COUNTRY PARSON.

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.