Classic Poem

Lines, as from a Lyttel Booke of Balettys and Dyties, enscribed to Richard Nix Bishoppe, by his Admyring, Faithful Friend, John Skelton, Rector of Diss:

The Abbot of Derry
—Hates Satan and Sin;
'Tis strange of him, very;
They're both his blood-kin;
And the Devil go bury the Abbot of Derry,
And bury him deep, say I!

The Abbot of Derry
Has woman nor wine.
'Tis kind of him, very,
To leave them all mine:
And the Devil go bury the Abbot of Derry,
And bury him deep, say I!

Says the Abbot of Derry:
“To-morrow ye die!”
“Eat, drink, and be merry!”
Say Dolly and I:
And the Devil go bury the Abbot of Derry,
And bury him deep, say I!

The Abbot of Derry
Says “All flesh is grass.”
Sure, the Abbot should know,
For the Abbot's an ass!
And the Devil go bury the Abbot of Derry,
And bury him deep, say I!

The Abbot of Derry
Says “Love is a knave!”
I shall love when the Abbot
Lies deep in his grave:—
And the Devil go bury the Abbot of Derry,
And bury him deep, say I!