Dame Godly desired the Abbey to view,
Admittance, one sixpence, demanded the clerk,
Which modest request in astonishment wrapt her,
How long will you such imposition pursue?
Faith ma'am, as to that we are left in the dark,
But I think, for my part, to the _end_ of the _Chapter_.[6]

[6] The Dean and Chapter of Westminster are supposed to receive
the money paid for seeing the Abbey.

* * * * *


Down with your cash, the Verger cries,
How mean'st thou this? John Bull replies,
What law protects th' extortion?
Stop, gentle friend--what's law to us?
The law's your own--so make no fuss,
The _profits_ are _our_ portion.

* * * * *


Poets and prophets 'mongst the ancient Romans
Were deemed the same, and this our pockets rue,
For on _this_ creed is built our sacred showman's,
Who has his _poets_ and his _profits_ too.

* * * * *