The New Vicar of Bray
Lines:54Movement:Romanticism
DO you know Doctor Nott? With "a crook in his lot,"Who seven years since tried to dish up A neat Codi_cil_ To the Princess's Will,Which made Dr. Nott _not_ a bishop. So the Doctor being found A little unsoundIn his doctrine, at least as a teacher, And kicked from one stool As a knave or a fool,He mounted another as preacher. In that Gown (like the Skin With no Lion within)He still for the Bench would be driving; And roareth away, A new Vicar of _Bray_,Except that _his bray_ lost his living. "Gainst Freethinkers," he roars, "You should all block your doorsOr be named in the Devil's indentures:" And here I agree, For who e'er would beA Guest where old Simony enters? Let the Priest, who beguiled His own Sovereign's childTo his own dirty views of promotion, Wear his Sheep's cloathing still Among flocks to his will,And dishonour the Cause of devotion. The Altar and Throne Are in danger aloneFrom such as himself, who would render The Altar itself But a step up to Pelf,And pray God to pay his defender. But, Doctor, one word Which perhaps you have heard"He should never throw stones who has windows Of Glass to be broken, And by this same tokenAs a sinner, you can't care what Sin does. But perhaps you do well: Your own windows, they tell,Have long ago sufferéd censure; Not a fragment remains Of your character's panes,Since the Regent refused you a glazier. Though your visions of lawn Have all been withdrawn,And you missed your bold stroke for a mitre; In a very snug way You may still preach and pray,And from bishop sink into backbiter!"