Ills few perceive, and none have skill to heal:

Not at the altar our young brethren read

(Facing their flock) the decalogue and creed;

But at their duty, in their desks they stand,

With naked surplice, lacking hood and band:

Churches are now of holy song bereft,

And half our ancient customs changed or left;

Few sprigs of ivy are at Christmas seen,

Nor crimson berry tips the holly's green;

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