“‘Well, Father Frank, what have you got to say for yourself? Did you look well afther your flock; and mind to have them all christened, and married, and buried, according to the rites of our holy church?’
“Now, good people, I’ve been forty-five years amongst you, and didn’t I christen every mother’s soul of you?”
Congregation.—You did,—you did,—your Rivirence.
Father Frank.—Well, and didn’t I bury the most of you, too?
Congregation.—You did, your Rivirence.
Father Frank.—And didn’t I do my best to get dacent matches for all your little girls? I And didn’t I get good wives for all the well-behaved boys in my parish?—Why don’t you spake up, Mick Donovan?
Mick.—You did, your Rivirence.
Father Frank.—Well, that’s settled:—but then St. Pether will say—“Father Frank,” says he, “you’re a proper man; but how did your flock behave to you—did they pay you your dues regularly?” Ah! good Christians, how shall I answer that question? Put it in my power to say something good of you: don’t be ashamed to come up and pay your priest’s dues. Come,—make a lane there, and let ye all come up with conthrite hearts and open hands. Tim Delaney!—make way for Tim:—how much will you give, Tim?
Tim.—I’ll not be worse than another, your Riverence. I’ll give a crown.
Father Frank.—Thank you, Timothy: the dacent drop is in you. Keep a lane, there!—any of ye that hasn’t a crown, or half-a-crown, don’t be bashful of coming up with your hog or your testher.66. A shilling or a sixpence.