The story of the _Vicar of Bray_ is told with some variations, but the fact is not questioned. In the Beauties of England and Wales we read that his name was Simon Symonds, that he possessed the benefice in the reign of Henry VIII. and the three succeeding monarchs, and that he died in the forty-first year of Elizabeth. "This man was twice a Protestant and twice a Papist; and when reproached for the unsteadiness of his principles, which could thus suffer him to veer with every change of administration, replied, 'that he had always governed himself by what he thought a very laudable principle, which was, never on any terms, if he could avoid it, to part with his vicarage." This creed has been amplified into a song, which we shall quote presently, more for its being a good conceite than for its scarceness. The author just quoted from the _Beauties_ observes, in a note--"Several late writers, particularly Ireland and Ferrar, who have mentioned the above circumstances, describe them as happening in the reign of Charles the Second, James the Second, &c. This mistake throws the imputation of apostacy on the worthy person who held the vicarage towards the conclusion of the 17th century. It should be remarked, that the story was first published by Fuller, in his Church History; and as the author died in the year 1661, it is evident that it must have been circulated previous to that event." We have not the _Church History_ at hand, but Fuller, in his _Worthies_, says, "Bray is a village well known in Barkshire, the vivacious Vicar whereof, living under King Henry the Eighth, King Edward the Sixth, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth, was first a Papist, then a Protestant, then a Papist, then a Protestant again. This Vicar being tax't by one for being a turncoat, not so (said he) for I always kept my principles, which is this, to live and die Vicar of Bray." Lastly, here is the song:-- THE VICAR OF BRAY. In good King Charles's golden days, When loyalty had no harm in't, A zealous high-churchman I was, And so I got preferment. To teach my flock I never miss'd: Kings are by God appointed; And those are damn'd that do resist, And touch the Lord's anointed: And this is law, I will maintain Until my dying day, sir, That whatsoever king shall reign, I will be Vicar of Bray, sir. When royal James obtain'd the throne, And Popery came in fashion, The penal laws I booted down, And read the declaration: The Church of Rome I found would fit Full well my constitution; And had become a Jesuit, But for the Revolution, And this is law, &c. When William was our king declared, To ease the nation's grievance, With his new wind about I steer'd, And swore to him allegiance: Old principles I did revoke, Set conscience at a distance; Passive obedience was a joke, And pish for non-resistance. And this is law, &.c.