The Doctor raves, and storms, and vows,
And looks as wretched as his cows![25]
With straining pericranium tries
To write impromptus and replies;
But, like his cows and ass profound,
His region is the burial ground,
Be calm, dear Doctor! Stay your pen!
The poet, perhaps may write again!
He knows you;[26] every word betrays it;
But still, "Qui capit, ille facit."
* * * * *
VERSES INTENDED TO BE CAST UPON THE BELLS OF THIS NEW CHURCH AT
DUDLEY;
Written by a certain learned Doctor, November, 1817.
_The Maiden's Bell._
Many a maiden fair gave me,
Whose wedding peal I ring with glee:
May they in all their future lives,
Be happy mothers, happy wives.[27]
_The Matron's Bell._
Many a matron, grave and good,
Or wedded, or in widowhood,
Bade me the time of holy pray'r
To many a list'ning flock declare.
_The Glassman's Bell._
Many a gen'rous man of glass
Bade me in sound all bells surpass;
Bright as their ware be all their days,
And bright through time be Dudley's praise.
_The Mineman's Bell._
Many a truly gen'rous soul,
Men of iron, men of coal,
Men of metal bade me sound
Sweetly to all the hills around.
_The Vicar's Bell._
For me the vicar preach'd aloud
To many a kind and godly crowd,
Who, with a heart devout and willing,
Gave their bright guinea and their shilling.
_The Bishop's Bell._
I, the gift of mitred sage,
Sound his praise to many an age:
Reverend name! of ancient line;
And long on me may Folliot shine.
_The Patron's Bell._
Me did the manor's Lord bestow,
Who loves to lighten human woe:
To doomsday may the name descend,
Of Dudley's and the poor man's friend.
_The Regent's Bell._
A princely gift! a prince gave me,
The prince of princeliest land and sea--
England! His name I nobly ring,
And bid thee cry, "God save the King."
* * * * *