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Dear Sir, my Wife and I do you invite A great
sign of
grace.
O'th' Creature with us to partake this night:
And now suppose what I prepare to tell ye,
The City-dame, whose faith is in the belly
Of her cram'd Priest, had all her cates in order,
That Gracious-street, or Cheap-side can afford her.
Lo first a Pudding! truly 't had more Reasons Bill of fare.
Than forty Sermons shew at forty seasons.
Then a Sur-loyn came in, as hot as fire,
Yet not so hot as was the Priests desire.
Next came a shoulder of Mutton roasted raw,
To be as utterly abolisht as the Law.
The next in order was a Capon plump,
With an Use of Consolation in his rump.
Then came a Turkey cold, which in its life
Had a fine tail, just like the Citizens wife.
But now by'r leave and worship too, for hark ye,
Here comes the Venson put in Paste by Starkey:
Which once set down there, at the little hole
Immediately in whips the Parsons soul.
He saw his Stomachs anchor, and believ'd
That now his belly should not be deceiv'd.
How he leans ore the cheer toward his first mover!
While his hot zeal doth make his mouth run over.
This Pastie had Brethren too, like to the Mayor,
Three Christmas, or Minc'd-pyes, all very fair:
Methought they had this Motto, Though they flirt us,
And preach us down, Sub pondere crescit virtus.
Apple-tarts, Fools, and strong Cheese to keep down
The steaming vapours from the Parsons crown.
Canary too, and Claret eke also,
Which made the tips of their ears and noses glow.
Up now they rise, and walk to their several chairs,
When lo, the Priest uncovers both his ears.
Most gracious Shepherd of the Brethren all,Grace before meat.
Thou saidst that we should eat, before the Fall;
Then was the world but simple, for they knew
Not either how to bake, or how to brew.
But
