COMPLIMENT TO THE CLERGY. 349 



House of Commons, were evidently mere blackguards, prepared for 

 mischief; so were those I found in Lincoln's-inn-fields; and, indeed, 

 the same may be said of all those who were most active in the various 

 scenes of mischief, I had opportunities of seeing. Whether they 

 were really different classes of people, or the same differently dressed, 

 according to the different scenes in which they were engaged, cannot 

 now be known. 



COMPLIMENT TO THE CLERGY. 



Old Sheridan, of witty notoriety, 

 Gave once a dinner to a high-bred party ; 



Of wines and viands there was great variety 

 Happy the guests were, and their welcome hearty. 

 His tradesmen having heard the prodigal 

 At last had pension got and place, 

 Sent in his orders freely one and all ; 

 Who should be foremost there was quite a race. 

 For all this cost and preparation made, 

 I marvel if the bills were ever paid ? 

 Dinner announced the guests expecting stood, 

 And viewed with eager eyes the dainty food. 

 The host, with solemn face, 

 Was just beginning to say grace, 

 But stopping, quoth he " pray 

 Is there a clergyman here to-day ?" 

 " No, sir," replied a youngster, " one and all, 

 From end to'end, are laical." 



" Then," and the roguish wit, with hands upraised, 

 And meekly bowing, said, " The Lord be praised." 





