Page:Babell, a satirical poem (1830).djvu/35

The Ministers, with ther lay Elders,
Which souters, wabsters, were, and pedlers, 50
All interlin'd with Lords and Lairds,
Who'le neither play at dice nor cairds,
For that they judge as great a crime
As on the Sabboth day to dine:
Ther gesture and ther garb was such, 55
Non could know 'mongst them which was which:
Some had gray cloaks, and some had black;
Some had a band, some a cravat;
Some had swords, some had sticks like flails;
But all had both good teeth and nails, 60
Which they ne're want as ready weapons
For self-defence whatever happens.—
When all was husht, a great divine
Rose, Moderator for the time,
And very wide his mouth did ope, 65
At ev'ry word flew out a drope.
'Brethren, who represent the Kirk,'
Quoth he, 'we're met here for the work
'Of planting, diging, and of sowing;
'Of prunning, plucking vp, and mowing; 70
'For ev'ry one of yow does ken
'That we're spirituall husbandmen
'And shepherds.' Thus when he had said.
He humm'd a while, and then he pray'd.
Lest superstitione they committ, 75
Each chose the posture he thought fitt,
(For Presbyterians scoff and scorn
At prayeing in a decent form:)