(A TALE) AN Abbot rich (whose taste was good Alike in science and in food) His Bishop had resolv'd to treat; The Bishop came, the Bishop eat; 'Twas silence, 'till their stomachs fail'd; And now at Hereticks they rail'd; What Heresy (the Prelate said) Is in that Church where Priests may wed! Do not we take the Church for life? But those divorce her for a wife, Like laymen keep her in their houses, And own the children of their spouses. Vile practices! the Abbot cry'd, For pious use we're set aside! Shall we take wives? marriage at best Is but carnality profest. Now as the Bishop took his glass, He spy'd our Abbot's buxom lass Who cross'd the room; he mark'd her eye That glow'd with love; his pulse beat high. Fye, father, fye, (the Prelate crys) A maid so young! for shame, be wise. These indiscretions lend a handle To lewd lay tongues, to give us scandal; For your vows sake, this rule I give t' ye, Let all your maids be turn'd of fifty. The Priest reply'd, I have not swerv'd, But your chast precept well observ'd; That lass full twenty five has told, I've yet another who 's as old; Into one sum their ages cast; So both my maids have fifty past. The Prelate smil'd, but durst not blame; For why? his Lordship did the same. Let those who reprimand their brothers First mend the faults they find in others. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CLEAR AND COLDER; BOSTON COMMON by ROBERT FROST SONNET TO GEORGE SAND: 1. A RECOGNITION by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE EVENING WIND by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT IN THE VALLEY OF THE ELWY by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS |