In Imitation of Dr Swift : The Happy Life of a Country Parson

By Alexander Pope

Parson, these things in thy possessing

Are better than the Bishop's blessing.

A Wife that makes conserves; a Steed

That carries double when there's need:

October store, and best Virginia,

Tithe-Pig, and mortuary Guinea:

Gazettes sent gratis down, and frank'd,

For which thy Patron's weekly thank'd;

A large Concordance, bound long since:

Sermons to Charles the First, when Prince;

A Chronicle of ancient standing;

A Chrysostom to smooth thy band in.

The Polygot — three parts, — my text,

Howbeit, — likewise — now to my next.

Lo here the Septuagint, — and Paul,

To sum the whole, — the close of all.

He that has these, may pass his life,

Drink with the 'Squire, and kiss his wife;

On Sundays preach, and eat his fill;

And fast on Fridays — if he will;

Toast Church and Queen, explain the News,

Talk with Church-Wardens about Pews,

Pray heartily for some new Gift,

And shake his head at Doctor S—t.

'Doctor S---t.' - presumably Dr. Swift.