Classic Poem

Once upon a Time, an Ass,
Bending beneath a pond'rous Mass
Of holy Lumber; Reliques, Bulls,
Saints Fingers, Teeth, and sacred Sculls;
Observ'd, where-e'er he came, the Crowd
With the profoundest Rev'rence bow'd,
And paid their Homage, as he pass'd,
Which to himself he thought address'd.
Pleas'd with the Thought, the awkard Creature
Affects a State in ev'ry Feature,
Struts boldly on, assumes the God,
Receives their Incense with a Nod,
And graciously inclines his Ear
To the fond Rabble's senseless Pray'r;
Which once receiv'd, his Godship Jack
Brays harsh his Approbation back.

MORAL.

See Scaurus comes; I rev'rent bow ,
And give his Post the Honour due;
Which he, poor Ass, mistakes, as paid
To the Vacuity of his Head.