Clean well each Glass, I'll spare for no Expence Where I contract, to please th' Inhabitants. Since Time still flies, and Life is but a Vapour, 'Tis now high time that I conclude my Paper, And, if my Verses have the Luck to Please, My Mind will be exceedingly at ease; But, if this shouldn't Please, I know what will, And that's with Diligence to serve you still. FINIS. Hone, in his _Every-Day Book_ (vol. i. p. 1627), gives, date 1823:-- A COPY OF CHRISTMAS VERSES, presented to the INHABITANTS OF BUNGAY By their Humble Servants, the late Watchmen, JOHN PYE and JOHN TYE. Your pardon, Gentles, while we thus implore, In strains not less _awakening_ than of yore, Those smiles we deem our best reward to catch, And, for the which, we've long been on the _Watch_; Well pleas'd if we that recompence obtain, Which we have ta'en so many _steps_ to gain. Think of the perils in our _calling past_, The chilling coldness of the midnight blast, The beating rain, the swiftly-driving snow, The various ills that we must undergo, Who roam, the glow-worms of the human race, The living Jack-a-Lanthorns of the place. 'Tis said by some, perchance to mock our toil, That we are prone to "_waste the midnight oil_!" And that a task thus idle to pursue Would be an idle _waste of money_, too! How hard that we the _dark_ designs should rue Of those who'd fain make _light_ of all we do! But such the fate which oft doth merit greet, And which now drives us fairly off our beat! Thus it appears from this, our dismal plight, That _some_ love _darkness_ rather than the _light_. Henceforth, let riot and disorder reign, With all the ills that follow in their train; Let TOMS and JERRYS unmolested brawl (No _Charlies_ have they now to _floor_ withal). And "rogues and vagabonds" infest the Town, Far cheaper 'tis to _save_ than _crack a crown_. To brighter scenes we now direct our view-- And, first, fair Ladies, let us turn to you. May each NEW YEAR new joys, new pleasures bring, And Life for you be one delightful spring! No summer's sun annoy with fev'rish rays, No winter chill the evening of your days! To you, kind Sirs, we next our tribute pay: May smiles and sunshine greet you on your way! If married, calm and peaceful be your lives; If single, may you, forthwith, get you wives! Thus, whether Male or Female, Old or Young Or Wed, or Single, be this burden sung: Long may you live to hear, and we to call, "_A Happy Christmas and New Year to all._"