Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE EQUIVOCATION, by JOHN GAY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE EQUIVOCATION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: An abbot rich (whose taste was good)
Last Line: First mend the faults they find in others.
Subject(s): Clergy; Marriage; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops; Weddings; Husbands; Wives


(A TALE)

AN Abbot rich (whose taste was good
Alike in science and in food)
His Bishop had resolv'd to treat;
The Bishop came, the Bishop eat;
'Twas silence, 'till their stomachs fail'd;
And now at Hereticks they rail'd;
What Heresy (the Prelate said)
Is in that Church where Priests may wed!
Do not we take the Church for life?
But those divorce her for a wife,
Like laymen keep her in their houses,
And own the children of their spouses.
Vile practices! the Abbot cry'd,
For pious use we're set aside!
Shall we take wives? marriage at best
Is but carnality profest.
Now as the Bishop took his glass,
He spy'd our Abbot's buxom lass
Who cross'd the room; he mark'd her eye
That glow'd with love; his pulse beat high.
Fye, father, fye, (the Prelate crys)
A maid so young! for shame, be wise.
These indiscretions lend a handle
To lewd lay tongues, to give us scandal;
For your vows sake, this rule I give t' ye,
Let all your maids be turn'd of fifty.
The Priest reply'd, I have not swerv'd,
But your chast precept well observ'd;
That lass full twenty five has told,
I've yet another who 's as old;
Into one sum their ages cast;
So both my maids have fifty past.
The Prelate smil'd, but durst not blame;
For why? his Lordship did the same.
Let those who reprimand their brothers
First mend the faults they find in others.





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