FOR Alibech great feasting was prepared, When, through simplicity, the girl declared, To those around, without the least restraint, How she had acted to be made a saint. You'd surely no occasion, they replied, To go so far instruction to provide, When at your house you might have had, with ease, Like secret lectures, just as you should please. Said one, my brother could the thing have done; Another cried,--my cousin would have run To do the same; or Neherbal, who's near, No novice in the business would appear; He seeks your hand, which you'll be wise to take Before he learns--what might a diff'rence make. She took the hint, and he the fair received; A handsome fortune many fears relieved; This joined to num'rous charms that had the belle; He fancied pure a most suspicious Hell, And freely used the blessings Hymen sends; May Heav'n like joys bestow on all our friends! NEIGHBOUR PETER'S MARE A CERTAIN pious rector (John his name), But little preached, except when vintage came; And then no preparation he required On this he triumphed and was much admired. Another point he handled very well, Though oft'ner he'd thereon have liked to dwell, And this the children of the present day, So fully know, there's naught for me to say: John to the senses things so clearly brought, That much by wives and husbands he was sought, Who held his knowledge of superior price, And paid attention to his sage advice. Around, whatever conscience he might find, To soft delights and easy ways inclined, In person he would rigidly attend, And seek to act the confessor and friend; Not e'en his curate would he trust with these; But zealously he tried to give them ease, And ev'ry where would due attention show, Observing that divines should always know Their flocks most thoroughly and visit round; To give instruction and the truth expound.