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"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,

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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,
Who of her children gave the Priesthood one;
And she had early train'd for this employ
The pliant talents of her College-Boy:
At various times her letters painted all

Her Brother's views the manners of the Hall;
The Rector's harshness, and the mischief made
By chiding those whom Preachers should persuade :
This led the Youth to views of easy life,

A friendly Patron, an obliging Wife;

VOL. II.

H

His tithe, his glebe, the garden and the steed,
With books as many as he wish'd to read.

All this accorded with the Uncle's will;
He loved a Priest compliant, easy, still;
Sums he had often to his favourite sent,
"To be," he wrote, " in manly freedom spent ;
"For well it pleased his spirit to assist

"An honest Lad, who scorn'd a Methodist:"
His Mother too, in her maternal care,
Bade him of canting hypocrites beware;
Who from his duties would his heart seduce,
And make his talents of no earthly use.

Soon must a trial of his worth be made-
The ancient Priest is to the tomb convey'd;
And the Youth summon'd from a serious friend,
His guide and host, new duties to attend.

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
Accorded duly with his Uncle's schemes:
He then aspired not to a higher name

Than sober Clerks of moderate talents claim;
Gravely to pray, and rev'rendly to preach,
Was all he saw, good Youth! within his reach :
Thus may a mass of sulphur long abide,
Cold and inert, but, to the flame applied,
Kindling it blazes, and consuming turns
To smoke and poison, as it boils and burns.

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;
Humbly he listen'd, while the Preacher dwelt
On touching themes, and strong emotions felt;
And in this night was fix'd that pliant will
To one sole point, and he retains it still.

At first his care was to himself confined; Himself assured, he gave it to mankind:

His zeal grew active-honest, earnest zeal,
And comfort dealt to him, he long'd to deal;
He to his favourite Preacher now withdrew,
Was taught to teach, instructed to subdue;
And train'd for ghostly warfare, when the call
Of his new duties reach'd him from the Hall.

Now to the 'Squire, although alert and stout,
Came unexpected an attack of gout;
And the grieved Patron felt such serious pain,
He never thought to see a church again:
Thrice had the youthful Rector taught the crowd,
Whose growing numbers spoke his powers aloud,
Before the Patron could himself rejoice
(His pain still lingering) in the general voice;
For he imputed all this early fame

To graceful manner, and the well-known name;
And to himself assumed a share of praise,
For worth and talents he was pleased to raise.

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,
"Should he return, to arm me for the fight."

Thus spoke the 'Squire, the favourite Nymph
stood by,

And view'd the Priest with insult in her eye:
She thrice had heard him when he boldly spoke
On dangerous points, and fear'd he would revoke:
For James she loved not-and her manner told,
"This warm affection will be quickly cold:"
And still she fear'd impression might be made
Upon a subject, nervous and decay'd;
She knew her danger, and had no desire
Of reformation in the gallant 'Squire ;
And felt an envious pleasure in her breast
To see the Rector daunted and distress'd.

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;

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