IT HAD TO BE DONE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XX, 16 November 1895, Page 632

IT HAD TO BE DONE.

As a model modern curate, he was many points per cent. More obliging than the reverend, bnt independent, gent, Who to fetch a pound of butter for the vicar’s lady went: And by afterwards resigning, signified his discontent That the curate had to do it. On the other hand, our hero was, on all occasions, one Who on any little errands for the vicar’s wife would run ; Though it must be owned that now and then he failed to see the fun— For, within the vicar’s household, there was plenty to be done. And the curate had to do it. In the middle of his studies he was often called away By the voice of Mrs Vicar, which to hear was to obey ; The shirt-buttons of her husband had most likely gone astray, So that somebody would have to sew some fresh ones on that day. And the curate had to do it. Oft with Milton’s mighty epic in his leisure hours he’d cope. Interspersed with something lighter, like the * Dnnciad ’ of Pope ; When the vicar’s wife would pointedly express an ardent hope As to someone being sent to fetch the candles, oil, and soap. And the curate had to do it. Once he drew the dame’s attention, by his evil fortune led, To the windows of the vicarage, observing, on that head, That they looked a trifle dusty, and she hit the bull’s-eye dead. * Yes, the windows must be cleaned !’ she most emphatically said. And the curate had to do it. And full often when our hero’s words of comfort and of joy Should have been addressed to waverers their errors to destroy, They were wasted on another and more trivial employ ; For some kindly soul was bound to • bath ’ the vicar’s baby boy, And the curate had to do it. But the vicar, and the lady, and the curate, by-and-bye Became parties to a law suit, though I’ve quite forgotten why ; Bnt if our obliging friend did ought to make an action lie, It’s the purchase price of Carbine to the halfpence in my sky That the curate had to do It. Doss Chidkruoss. At a negro wedding, when the clergyman read the words * love, honour, and obey,' the bridegroom interrupted him and said, * Read that again, sah ! Read it once mo’, so’s de lady kin ketch the full solemnity of de meaning.' I’se been married befo’.’