The Anglican Friar, and the Fish which he Took by Hook and by Crook / A Comic Legend

by active 19th century Novice

He will play them some trick, we shall presently find.

Per-ling, pling—twang, twang, twang, went the fiddle strings soon,

As Maguire screwed them up to the requisite tune;

Though he scarce knows the song, he with grief must declare;

So that Murphy politely first whistles the air;

And then, after a prelude of Maguire's composing,

To the following words his melodious voice flows in:

"As rambling forth one morning,

Whilst the birds were sweetly singing,

I chanced to meet fair Kitty,