A sheep-hook, or have learned aught else the least 120

That to the faithful herdman’s art belongs!

What recks it them? What need they? They are sped;

And, when they list, their lean and flashy songs

Grate on their scrannel pipes of wretched straw;

The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed, 125

But, swoln with wind and the rank mist they draw,

Rot inwardly, and foul contagion spread:

Beside what the grim wolf with privy paw

Daily devours apace, and nothing said: