THE village clowns some little time supposed

That all was secret: not a hint disclosed;

The parson of it, howsoe'er, obtained

Some intimation, and his off'rings gained.

I was not present, fully I admit;

But rarely clergymen their dues will quit.

The very clerk would not remit his fee:—

All those who serve the church in this agree.

THE permutation could not well be made,

But scandal would such practices upbraid;