That Wall once whiten'd, now an cdious sight, Or stubborn Bar, that none may hurry in: Where'er the Floor allows an even space, Chalking and Marks of various Games have place; Boys, without foresight, pleas'd in Halters swing; On a fix'd Hook Men cast a flying Ring; While Gin and Snuff their female Neighbours share, And the black Beverage in the fractur'd Ware. On swinging Shelf are things incongruous stor'd,Scraps of their Food,-the Cards and Cribbage-board,With Pipes and Pouches; while on Peg below, Hang a lost Member's Fiddle and its Bow: That still reminds them how he'd dance and play, Ere sent untimely to the Convicts' Bay. Here by a Curtain, by a Blanket there, Are various Beds conceal'd, but none with care; Each end contains a Grate, and these beside Above the Fire, the Mantle-shelf contains For here she lives, e'en here she looks about, If Fortune grant it, winds Description up. High hung at either end, and next the Wall, Doubling each look of Care, each token of Distress. THE PARISH-CLERK Began his Duties with the late Vicar, a grave and austere Man; one fully orthodox; a Detecter and Opposer of the Wiles of Satan.-His Opinion of his own Fortitude.-The more Frail offended by these Professions.-His good Advice gives further Provocation. They invent Stratagems to overcome his Virtue. -His Triumph.-He is yet not invulnerable: is assaulted by Fear of Want, and Avarice.-He gradually yields to the Seduction. He reasons with himself and is persuaded.—He offends, but with Terror; repeats his Offence; grows familiar with Crime; is detected.-His Sufferings and Death. |