Ne'er mote Lord Abbot pronounce Benedicite

Over more luscious or delicate fare.

But no pious stave he, no Pater or Ave

Pronounced, as he gazed on that maiden's face;

She asked him for stuffing, she asked him for gravy,

She asked him for gizzard;--but not for grace!

Yet gayly the Lord Abbot smiled, and pressed,

And the blood-red wine in the wine-cup filled;

And he helped his guest to a bit of the breast,

And he sent the drumsticks down to be grilled.