"Tom Smithers, yer rev'rence, I met close by here,
With pleasure he'd see yer whenever ye're near.
His old father's but bad still—you've heard, I suppose,
He was thrown from his horse and was pitched on his nose?"
"Yes, I have of it heard, and will see him ere long;
He'd been drinking too much, which was dreadfully wrong.
This cottage is small," he continued; "I fear
That comfort and ease you can ne'er enjoy here.
Besides, you're so far off that you don't get your share
Of the gifts I bestow on those under my care.