However, bid ’em both come in,
This fray must have an end;
Such little feuds as these do oft
To greater mischiefs tend.
Without more bidding out she goes
And told them, by her troth,
There was a magistrate within
That needs must see ’em both.
But, gentlemen, pray distance keep,
And don’t too testy be;
Ill words good manners still corrupt
And spoil good company.
To this the vicar first replies,
I fear no magistrate;
For let ’em make what laws they will,
I’ll still obey the State.
Whatever I can say or do,
I’m sure not much avails;
I stall still be Vicar of Bray
Whichever side prevails.
My conscience, thanks to Heaven, is come
To such a happy pass,
That I can take the Covenant
And never hang an ass.
I’ve took so many oaths before,
That now without remorse
I take all oaths the State can make,
As meerly things of course.
Go therefore, dame, the justice tell
His summons I’ll obey;
And further you may let him know
I Vicar am of Bray.
I find indeed, the cobbler said,
I am not much mistaken;
This vicar knows the ready way
To save his reverend bacon. [97]
This is a hopeful priest indeed,
And well deserves a rope;
Rather than lose his vicarage
He’d swear to Turk or Pope.