The Poetry Corner

Epigram On Hearing A Parson Read Very Badly A Sermon He Had Bought

By Thomas Oldham

That sermon, reverend Sir, which you have bought, To save your idle brain the toil of thought, You read in such a dull, lethargic tone, It seems almost as stupid as your own. ***** Pursefull's a stickler for the law's abuse: To him, 'tis clear, it was of sterling use. ***** Pursefull still advocates the law's abuse. What moralist can gratitude condemn? They, formerly, have done so much for him; Ought he not, now, to do his best for them?