Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE HAPPY LIFE OF A COUNTRY PARSON, by ALEXANDER POPE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE HAPPY LIFE OF A COUNTRY PARSON, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Parson, these things in thy possessing
Last Line: And shake his head at doctor swift.
Variant Title(s): Dr. Swift
Subject(s): Swift, Jonathan (1667-1745)


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,
Tythe pig, and mortuary guinea;
Gazettes sent gratis down, and franked,
For which thy patron's weekly thanked;
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 church-wardens about pews;
Pray heartily for some new gift,
And shake his head at Doctor Swift.





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