Of the good old English Vicar, who, though small was his estate,
Did all he could the poor to aid and suffering to abate,
And sought the cottage door more oft than the mansion of the great,
Like a good old English Vicar, one of the olden time!
He never made himself the priest of an exclusive creed;
His house was ever open wide to all that were in need;
And ’twas his joy to cheer the sick, the hungry one to feed;
And little children by the hand with loving care to lead;
Like a good old English Vicar, one of the olden time!
He did not social honour seek, or church preferment crave,