"Were he a bigot," said the 'Squire," whose zeal "Condemn'd us all, I should disdain to feel: “But when a man of parts, in College train'd, "Prates of our conduct-who would not be pain'd? "While he declaims (where no one dares reply) "On men abandon'd, grov'ling in the sty "(Like beasts in human shape) of shameless luxury, "Yet with a patriot's zeal I stand the shock "Of vile rebuke, example to his flock: "But let this Rector, thus severe and proud, Change his wide surplice for a narrow shroud, "And I will place within his seat a Youth, "Train'd by the Graces, to explain the Truth; "Then shall the flock with gentle hand be led, "By Wisdom won, and by Compassion fed." This purposed Teacher was a Sister's Son, Her Brother's views the manners of the Hall; A friendly Patron, an obliging Wife; VOL. II. H His tithe, his glebe, the garden and the steed, All this accorded with the Uncle's will; "An honest Lad, who scorn'd a Methodist:" Soon must a trial of his worth be made- Three months before, the Nephew and the 'Squire Saw mutual worth to praise and to admire; And though the one too early left his wine, The other still exclaim'd-" My Boy will shine: "Yes, I perceive that he will soon improve, "And I shall form the very guide I love; "Decent abroad, he will my name defend, "And, when at home, be social and unbend." The plan was specious, for the mind of James Than sober Clerks of moderate talents claim; James, leaving College, to a Preacher stray'd; What call'd, he knew not-but the call obey'd: Mild, idle, pensive, ever led by those Who could some specious novelty propose; At first his care was to himself confined; Himself assured, he gave it to mankind: His zeal grew active-honest, earnest zeal, Now to the 'Squire, although alert and stout, To graceful manner, and the well-known name; A month had flown, and with it fled disease; What pleased before, began again to please: Emerging daily from his chamber's gloom, He found his old sensations hurrying home; Then call'd his Nephew, and exclaim'd, "My Boy, "Let us again the balm of life enjoy ; "The foe has left me, and I deem it right, Thus spoke the 'Squire, the favourite Nymph And view'd the Priest with insult in her eye: Again the Uncle to the Youth applied"Cast, my dear Lad, that cursed gloom aside: "There are for all things time and place; appear "Grave in your pulpit, and be merry here: "Now take your wine-for woes a sure resource, "And the best prelude to a long discourse." James half obey'd, but cast an angry eye On the fair Lass, who still stood watchful by; |