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The Rival Curates

List while the poet trolls
Of MR. CLAYTON HOOPER,
Who had a cure of souls
At Spiffton-extra-Sooper.

He lived on curds and whey,
And daily sang their praises,
And then he'd go and play
With buttercups and daisies.

Wild croquet HOOPER banned,
And all the sports of Mammon,
He warred with cribbage, and
He exorcised backgammon.

His helmet was a glance That spoke of holy gladness; A saintly smile his lance, His shield a tear of sadness. His Vicar smiled to see This armour on him buckled; With pardonable glee He blessed himself and chuckled: "In mildness to abound My curate's sole design is, In all the country round There's none so mild as mine is!" And HOOPER, disinclined His trumpet to be blowing, Yet didn't think you'd find A milder curate going.

A friend arrived one day
At Spiffton-extra-Sooper,
And in this shameful way
He spoke to MR. HOOPER:

"You think your famous name
For mildness can't be shaken,
That none can blot your fame —
But, HOOPER, you're mistaken!

"Your mind is not as blank As that of HOPLEY PORTER, Who holds a curate's rank At Assesmilk-cum-Worter. "He plays the airy flute, And looks depressed and blighted, Doves round about him 'toot,' And lambkins dance delighted. "He labours more than you At worsted work, and frames it; In old maids' albums, too, Sticks seaweed — yes, and names it!"

The tempter said his say, Which pierced him like a needle — He summoned straight away His sexton and his beadle. These men were men who could Hold liberal opinions: On Sundays they were good — On week-days they were minions. "To HOPLEY PORTER go, Your fare I will afford you — Deal him a deadly blow, And blessings shall reward you.

"But stay — I do not like
Undue assassination,
And so, before you strike,
Make this communication:

"I'll give him this one chance —
If he'll more gaily bear him,
Play croquet, smoke, and dance,
I willingly will spare him."

They went, those minions true,
To Assesmilk-cum-Worter,
And told their errand to
The REVEREND HOPLEY PORTER.

"What?" said that reverend gent, "Dance through my hours of leisure? Smoke — bathe myself with scent? — Play croquet? Oh, with pleasure! "Wear all my hair in curl? Stand at my door, and wink — so — At every passing girl? My brothers, I should think so! "For years I've longed for some Excuse for this revulsion: Now that excuse has come — I do it on compulsion!!!"

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