Poems on several choice and various subjects occasionally composed by an eminent author ; collected and published by Sergeant-Major P.F.

Of the tru Observation of Lent.

NOw Lent is come, let us refrain From Carnal Cretures quick or slaine: Let's curb, and macerat the Flesh; Impound, and keep it in distress For forty days, and then we shall Have a Replevin from the thrall By that bless'd Prince, who for this Fast Will give us Angels food at last. But to abstain from Bees, Hog, Goose, And let our Appetites go loose To Lobsters, Crabs, Prawns, or such Fish, We do not Fast, but Feast in this. Not to let down Lamb, Kid, or Veal; Hen, Plover, Turkicock or Teal, And eat Botargo, Caviar, Anchoves, Oisters, and like fare: Or to forbear from Flesh, Fowl, Fish, And eat Potatoes in a Dish Done o'er with Ambar, or a Mess Of Ringos in a Spanish Dress: Or to refrain from each hot thing Which Water, Earth, or Air, doth bring; And play a hundred pounds at Gleek; Or be at Saunt when we shold sleep:

Or to leave play with all high Dishes, And feed our thoughts with Wanton Wishes; Making the Soul, like a Light Wench, VVear Patches of Concupiscence. This is not to keep Lent aright, But play the Juggling Hypocrit. He keeps Lent more, who tames the inward Man, Then he, who makes the outward feed on Bran.