The SPEECH.
Near B--- ---gate a Man Inhabits,
That loves to live on Geese and Rabits;
He is by Trade a C--- ---n-Maker,
And a fit Subject for a Satyr.
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THIS Man was of a Mind aspiring,
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And to be Somebody desiring;
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Wanted a Place of Trust, or Profit,
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Who of all Men could make most of it:
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It was he coveted it therefore,
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But he found none that did him care for;
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T---my at this was much dejected,
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That he so long should be neglected;
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It griev'd him much and vext him sore,
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And almost brought him to Death's Door.
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The Ancients tho' they could not trust him,
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(And for his Actions (late) have curst him)
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Rather than he should die, and lose him,
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A Warden of the Church they chose him;
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Which is a Place of Care and Trouble,
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To all that can't the Parish bubble;
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For Men whose Honesty did guide 'em,
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(And would not let their Conscience chide 'em)
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Never esteem'd those Friends that chose 'em,
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But did their utmost to dispose 'em
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To chuse some others, and excuse 'em;
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Which when the Ancients did refuse 'em,
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To be discharg'd on't, some as I know,
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Have parted with their Ready-Rino;
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But T---my is not such a Novice,
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To strive to shun so good an Office.
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For (contrary to Custom) he
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When chosen to this Dignity,
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With Bows and Cringes he draws near 'em,
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(A Sight so strange, enough to scare 'em);
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Of Zeal and Honesty he boasts,
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And's Benefactors thus accosts,
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Worships let me now beseech,
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'To listen to my Learned Speech;
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'My humble Thanks I'm now returning,
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'For th' Honours done to me this Morning;
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'For you thereby have made me Easy,
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'Who have (with fear) been almost Crasie;
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'And since you've grac'd me with these Honours
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'I'll certainly requite the Donors:
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'Your Pow'r, tho' ne'er so Arbitrary,
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'I will espouse, and never vary;
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'And as you have my Honour lengthen'd,
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'Your Int'rest shall by me be strengthen'd;
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'For I will joyn my Mighty Powers
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'To perfect and establish Yours;
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'For as you are a Crew Selected,
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pity you should be Inspected.
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'If any shall your Power despise,
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'I will his Insolence chastise;
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'If Poor, and do's my Passion rouse,
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'I'll lay him in the Wooden House;
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'For you my Masters, with my Noddle,
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'When we're enliven'd with a Bottle,
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'Which shall be at the Parish Charge,
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our Capacities enlarge,
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'Dangers to shun, and to defend us,
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all that do desire to mend us:
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'For as we are a blessed Brood,
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'Our Meeting's for the Parish Good,
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'And Wardens have a Mighty Power
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'The Parish-Money to devour:
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'If any ask what we are doing,
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'And say 'tis to the Parish Ruin,
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'And shall endeavour to abuse you,
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'I'll do my utmost to excuse you.
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'I (who was never whipt for Lying),
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'Can cover all things by denying.
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as I'm for our Publick Weal,
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'I also am as full of Zeal;
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'The Church, as 'tis secur'd by Laws,
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'I will support with both my Paws,
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'And you shall have no cause of Grief,
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'For chusing me, Your Brother
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Which having said, the Subtle S------r,
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Went with his Brethren to Dinner.
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