How much must IRELAND, PITT and PRETTY prize!
Who swear, at all events, to equal—lyes.
XXII.
———In vino Veritas———
PRETTY, the other night, was tripping caught—
Forgive him, PITT; he’ll not repeat the fault—
The best may err—misled by wine and youth—
His Rev’rence drank too hard; and told—the truth!
Ev’n thou, should generous wine o’ercome thy sense,
May’st rashly stumble on the same offence.
XXIII.
There are who think all State affairs
The worst of wicked worldly cares,
To mingle with the priestly leaven;
Yet sure the argument’s uncouth——
PRETTY shall doubly spread the truth,
A Minister of Earth and Heaven.
XXIV.
While modern Statesmen glean, from priestly tribes,
Rev’rend Commis, and sanctimonious scribes;
’Tis love of truth—yet vain the hope, alas!
To make this Holy Writ for Gospel pass.
XXV.
Above the pride of worldly fame or show,
A virtuous Priest should upwards turn his eyes——
Thus PRETT contemns all character below,
And thinks of nothing but the way to rise.