131 Of both my mothers, now distrest, 132 By all the sons, which they brought forth, They're trodden down, as nothing worth, 133 What none to pity their gray hairs, Behold, O Lord, not one prepares 134 Nay, all concur to taunt their woes, Rejoice to aggravate their throes, 135 The greater vulgar now affect And fashion helps them to respect 136 The purblind vulgar, lower plac'd. And, 'midst the coaches, are in haste 137 Both pour forth nonsense in such streams That nor in madness, nor in dreams, 138 Yet here, if ever surely men Should clearly think and speak; 139 How much alive, how keen are we 140 Be not conform'd to worldly ways, VOL. VI. But, be conform'd, each fashion says- d 141 Now heathen gods, or wicked saints, 142 No longer on Olympus high A new seat Etna shall supply, 143 Their pilgrims here may snow or fire, As either shall succeed, Enjoy with them, and with their sire, 144 Devotion, whether hot or cold, And should it chance to be too old, 145 Empedocles, to be among 146 Like him, their bodies they consume And boast in death the crackling plume 147 Wherewith their souls, enkindl'd here, Like lighted torches, there In flaming brimstone shall appear 148 These even now their lava pour, 149 How far his slaves may fashion drive; In his warm worship we shall strive 150 Into the house of God we go Our fashions to display, Ourselves and boasted wealth to shew On a pretence to pray. 151 Great God! how impious to thy face The fiend of pride in this thy place 152 Even in the pulpit takes his stand And holds in fashionable band 153 Well were it tho', had fashion been Ere jaded patience must have seen 154 Ere by this monster Christ our Lord, 155 This pastor preaches as he lives, A god in his own image gives, 156 A god polite, who will not scan The actions of a gentleman, 157 Nay, howsoever it may sound, Such preachers diff'rent gods propound, 158 A group of gods tho' he maintains, 159 As this what can appear so foul, But why should he retain a soul, 160 Yet such good men for Christ declare, And seem for him to stand. Are they not honest? sure they are, 161 Unless these hearers, always blind, And, for old truths, to vice unkind, 162 Distinctions now are never made, 163 How despicable is that wretch He strives from mimic'd faults to fetch, 164 In whose esteem can he look brave, Who borrows from the fool or knave 165 Fashion cries out, 'Go down the stream, In crowds they travel; do the same, 166 Of lords and ladies I am king, My sov'reign lore, and to me bring 167 You have no other gods but me, My powers of comb and needle fee; 168 Ye splendid votaries of mine, To urge a cause, wherein you shine 169 Go on, as long as money lasts, But keep to me your literal fasts, 170 If any sneaking fool low-born, Should preach up plainness, treat with scorn 171 Of figure he is not less fond 173 Damp not your spirits with a thought Of sickness or the grave ; At least, when they approach unsought, 174 Tho' all as criminals must die, 175 O death, how splendid is the dress, Of those, who thy employ profess 176 Should you at any time submit Elude the filthy vulgar pit By splendid monuments ; 177 Thus you your grandeur may protract 178 Your marble coat shall for you lie, Death could not make them less. 179 To bully death you find the way, To look in shrouds both great and gay, 180 The sermonizing parson hires, Insurance for your souls, Against the fear of penal fires, |