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SOURCE: Australian Melodist Songster SITE SOURCE: Sydney Folklore - SECTION 9: Demon drink and teetotalism THE PARSON AND THE CLERKA parson preached to his flock, one day,On the sins of the human race And the clerk a loud “Amen!” did say With the solemnest tone and face But that pious clerk on the quiet, though, Would venture a bit of remark 'All sin is sweet' said the parson; 'Then I'm for sin', said the clerk, 'Amen' Yes, sin for me,” said the clerk “Amen!” “Oh! never covert thy neighbour's goods,” So the parson said, “nor his maid, For to rob a man of that that's his, Why a fellow should be afraid; And, oh, covet ye not, thou man of sin, I pray you this matter to mark, Thy neighbour's wife,” said the parson “The maid for me,” said the clerk. “Amen The slavey for me,” said the clerk, “Amen” “As Christian men,” said the parson, “You Should ever be humble and meek, And you should not strike a sinful man, When he landeth you one on the cheek; Nay turn my friends, to that erring one, Yea, turn to that sinner so dark, The other cheek,” said the parson, “I'd break his nose.” said the clerk, “Amen” Land him at once,” said the clerk. “Amen” Oh, never sigh for that dross called gold, For it's blessed is the man who is poor; You never should seek the fishes, my friend, And should cast ye the loaves from the door, Oh! I grieve to think it's my fate to drive, A carriage and pair in the park, With a thousand a year,” said the parson. “Then give it to me,” said the clerk, “Amen” No pride about me,” said the clerk. “Amen” “The girls are awfully frivolous,” The parson he said with a groan, And the boys, too, of the Sunday school, Won't let the young hussies alone; I've watched them grin behind their books, And I've seen those boys for a lark “Kissing the girls,” said the parson, “I've dome it myself,” said the clerk, “Amen” They're fond of it, too,” said the clerk. “Amen” And now my sermon, my friends, is done, I bid you go work and pray, Don't do as your parson does, But do as your parsons say; But ere you depart your worldly cares, I'll venture this matter to remark; “Never drink,” said the parson, “I'm awfully dry,” said the clerk, “Amen I'm off to the pub,” said the clerk. Amen! |