Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/399



ARSON, 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 Swift. A TALE