Classic Poem

On the marriage of Miss D —

At Burpham Church, the only bell
The crazy tower can boast of
Is fractured like a walnut-shell
Whose kernel's made the most of;
They thump its back, with many a whack,
To set sweet tones a'flowing,
And each seventh day, the people say,
" Hark! Hark! — the bell is going!"

But tired of such a horrid gong
The Burphamites oft grumble,
" Why can't we have a good ding-dong, —
And not that wretched dumb bell?"
Oh — be content with what heaven's sent,
Nor be so very knowing —
For — Ah! — I fear, too soon you'll hear
A better belle is going!